Future Leaders of our County
The goals of the junior fairboard far exceed that of guiding youth through the process of raising animals and bringing them to market. Through a variety of educational clinics and events that come with their own responsibility, Jr. fairboard members face to gain skills in areas of mentorship, leadership, delegation, and of course sportsmanship. The program aims to prepare its members for the future they face entering the workforce.
“We hope that they learn so much more than raising and selling an animal. We want to instill sportsmanship while helping them understand the industry, preparing them for future jobs and leadership roles” – Chris Kendle 4-H Youth Development Educator for Ohio State University Extension in Tuscarawas County.
Understanding the Industry; Mentorship Training
Being involved in the 4-H brings an abundance of opportunities for learning about the agricultural industry. One of these opportunities is a program known as “Assuring Quality Care for Animals”. This program aims to teach 4-H youth the ins and outs of safe food animal production as well as responsible animal care, handling and welfare in not only farm animal production but companion and performance animals as well.
This past year, they focused greatly on the importance of ensuring adequate medical care for the animals in our care. Youth were guided on the proper administration of medications, detox periods and their importance as well as the importance of a good working relationship with your animals vet. During these training courses, Junior fairboard members gain mentorship experience while working with small groups.
Ensuring safe production, every animal involved in the 4-H goes through the animal clinic to ensure that it meets standards and is fit to participate. You guessed it- the Jr. Fairboard is there helping to facilitate that as well!
Interview Judging; Leadership & Delegation
In July, 4-H members undergo Interview Judging. This is a formal interview process where their projects are evaluated and awarded a project grade. Jr. Fairboard members are there to have their projects assessed, but they play a much larger role. Jr. Fairboard play a major role in ensuring this process runs smoothly. They help with registration, move members through the process and are available to answer any questions their peers or peers’ family members may have.
This process is a chance for all members of 4-H to gain one-on-one interviewing experience with adults, gaining comfortability that will help them in the future. It is also a huge opportunity for Junior 4-H members to gain experience in leadership and delegation.
Strengthening hard working Values
Jr. fairboard members are hard workers at heart and some of their responsibilities only help strengthen those values. Members of the Jr. fairboard serve as a helping hand to all of the various committees, working with them to fill in wherever help is needed. They play a huge role in getting the barns ready; every stall in every barn has to be cleaned out and sanitized prior to the fair. They also assist in setting up stalls, building barns, moving exhibits. If it’s hard work and it needs done, they’re right there willing to help!
Past the physical work and appearances within the fairgrounds, each member of the Jr. fairboard is required to complete a minimum of two hours in the office. Here, they are required to interface with the public, fielding various calls and questions related to the fair.
The members of the Jr. fairboard can be found all over our county fair. A few more of their duties include..
- Preparing stall cards and buyers stall cards for after sale.
- Preparing ribbons and distributing them so they’re ready for awards.
- Building and preparing booths for club exhibits
- All animal check ins
- Facilitating awards ceremonies
- Serving as ring crew
- Organizing 4-H youth and their animals for showing- hunting down kids when they’re not where they need to be!
Beyond the character building of hard work, the training in leadership and the lessons in sportsmanship; being a part of the Jr. fairboard teaches kids to find balance between the many aspects of life. Providing them with guidance and support along the way. Being a part of the junior fair board helps prepare youth to handle the juggling act that is life, with grace and perseverance.
For more information on Tuscarawas County 4-H or the Jr.Fairboard click here.
Reporting,
Alyssa Harbold