

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Laurel Despain, the 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent in Thomas County, about what 4-H is and how to get involved!

Head, Heart, Health, Hands
What is 4-H?
4-H is a youth-led community organization where young people can explore their interests and discover new passions through various projects. It’s a leadership-based organization where youth make decisions and provide organizational leadership. The program is supported by dedicated volunteers, including club leaders, project leaders, and fair board members, who all play crucial roles in making the organization thrive.
Diverse Projects in 4-H
Kansas 4-H offers over 30 different types of projects, ranging from livestock (beef, sheep, goats, swine, horses) to pets (dogs, cats). Additionally, there are numerous static exhibits like photography, visual arts, and woodworking. If there’s a specific interest not covered by existing projects, 4-H even offers a self-determined project option, allowing youth to create their own projects.
Benefits of 4-H Membership
4-H in Kansas is built around the thriving model, focusing on four key values: sparks, belonging, goal-setting, and creating a welcoming environment. These values help youth feel included and encourage them to set and achieve personal goals. Through 4-H, members become responsible individuals who continuously build on their interests and skills. There are more steps within the thriving model, but ultimately, the goal is for 4H members to achieve academic and vocational success, become more employable, and experience increased happiness and well-being. Additionally, they are encouraged to be civic-minded and engaged within their communities.
Getting Involved in 4-H in Thomas County
Getting involved in 4-H in Thomas County is easy! Just visit the local extension office, and they will connect you with one of the club leaders from the four clubs in the area. Enrollment is done online, making it easy to get started.
You can visit the Thomas County Extension Office in Colby at 350 S. Range Avenue Suite 16.
Events and Activities
While the fair is a significant event for 4-H members in Thomas County, there are many other opportunities for engagement throughout the year. Last year, 127 members brought over 1,650 entries to the fair, with total entries surpassing 2,000, including both 4-H and open class. Beyond the fair, monthly club meetings provide regular opportunities for involvement. Additionally, 4-H council delegates, nominated by club members, have a greater say in the program’s direction. Other events include county club days, where kids can practice public speaking, participate in skits, dances, and showcase their talents in various performances.
There are also many state opportunities, whether they’re leadership-based or project-specific. The Kansas Youth Leadership Forum is a major state program where kids can enhance their leadership skills. There are state programs for various projects, including horse, dog, geology, entomology, and photography. Locally, there is Camp Lakeside and the 4-H Day Camp, which is open to the entire community. These camps offer great opportunities for 4-H kids to develop leadership skills by serving as group leaders and hosting sessions.
Additionally, we have Super Saturday, a large judging event that alternates between Colby and Hays each year. This year, it’s in Colby, providing numerous judging opportunities. Beyond these events, there are many project workshops and learning opportunities, allowing kids to be as involved as they wish. We strongly encourage participation to maximize the benefits of the program.
What Are Thomas County 4-H clubs doing for National 4-H Week?
There are lots of different way that the local 4-H clubs are showing their spirit, including handing out flyers and treats to their classmates at school, decorating windows around town, and wearing their 4-H shirts to school. Some 4-H members are also visiting the nursing home to play board games with the residents!
Watch the Full Interview Here:https://youtu.be/GuyVe66YPlE