MANSFIELD — A clinic for beginners to answer any and all questions that you might have if you’re interested in becoming a member of a 4-H group was held on Saturday at Tractor Supply on 4th Street in Mansfield.
Food, animals and lots of fun was available to everyone, according to Beth Brown, OSU Extension Jr. Fair Associate.
“Joining a 4-H group is an educational program for children from kindergarten to age 18,” Brown said.
Clover Buds is the group for ages 5-7. It is a non-competition group that learns the basics with a hands-on opportunity, finishing with a show-and-tell event at the end of the 4-H year.
The 4-H year starts on Jan. 1 and ends right after the fair. During the Clover Buds time the children learn what they can take as a project to the fair, how to handle the animal (if they choose to take an animal), how to care for the animal and how to show the animal.
The 4-H member can take a “still project” instead of an animal for their project such as sewing, cooking, photography, small engines or robotics. All 4-H groups are affiliated with OSU Extension office.
Enrollment is open until April 1. The child must be enrolled with a 4-H group by April 1 to be able to compete at the fair.
Freedom Wranglers 4-H Club members were at each station either with food, animals, or educational sheets on display. Lisa Crain, club advisor was busy making sure the group was well coordinated.
Kaelynn Huber was proud to show her dwarf rabbit “Jake” at the clinic.
“Being a part of a 4-H group is like being in a big family,” said Ashton Crider, president of the Freedom Wranglers. “We all work together and help each with our projects. We make memories that will last forever.”
Ashton had twin alpacas on display in a pen for visitors to see. He was very informative regarding the care and feeding of alpacas.
Claire Shaw was proud to show her big black dog “Nina” to all the visitors. Nina was well trained and listened to most of Claire’s commands.
For more information you may call 419-747-8755 which is the OSU Extension office.
