4H Provides Area Youth with Leadership and Confidence Abilities

Our special report focuses on the impact 4H has on area youth.

More than just funnel cakes, cotton candy, and animals, the county fair brings together area youth.

The talented young men an women in 4H work 365 days a year for more than just a purple ribbon.

Head, heart, hands, and health make up the four leaves of the 4H Clover. Area kids not only learn about chickens and goats but grow in confidence and gain leadership skills.

Getting to the judging stage at the South St. Louis County Fair takes a lot of work.

“I always try to be really on top of things, it doesn’t always happen. I always think you know I want to start my projects way early, so I won’t be stressed but I can’t say I’m good about doing that,” said Lydia Herbertz.

They display their projects proudly, everything from woodworking to showing animals.

“Projects I do I try to fit in whatever possible, work a little bit here, work a little big there throughout the year,” said Tyler Broderius.

“It’s just that you get to make your own stuff and enter it and see how well you did. It’s fun and you get to try your best and have creative thoughts,” said Faith, who is in her second year of 4H.

Kids can enter 4H as early as kingergarten.

“The whole range of youth development is addressed in 4H,” said Tim Caines.

They can stay in 4H until a year after high school.

“The enthusiasm and excitement all the way from a llama to a photography project is just infectious,” said Caines.

Kids can choose from just about any project.

“It’s just fun to train your goats and give them treats and win ribbons,” said Kora.

They’re judged by a community member with some expertise in the area, who awards each project a ribbon.

“You should learn more than you knew before from the youth that are coming before you,” said Caines.

Pink and purple ribbons come with the highest honors.

“4H is learning by doing and the fair is a chance to show that,” said Caines.

Fifty percent of judging is based on the project itself, while the other fifty percent is based on how the kids interact and interview before the judge.

“You have to work all year round just for this one week,” said Ilsa Johnson.

It’s a week that creates a lifetime of memories.

“You’ll be amazed at what these kids can do,” said Caines.