4-H & FFA at the Skagit County Fair
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he Skagit County Fair is proud of its longstanding partnership with Skagit County’s 4-H and FFA clubs who come to the fair to showcase their skills and talents. Students in FFA programs meet at school, while 4-H clubs run all year long. The clubs teach children about hands on learning, community spirit, leadership, sciences, arts and agriculture. In addition to animal projects, students are given opportunities to learn about vet science, food science, floriculture, engineering, technology and much more through a hands-on approach to learning.
4-H Youth Program
a child thinking about getting involved in 4-H, Rachel said “I would advise that…they find a program that they like and jump right into it. There are a wide variety of clubs; something for everyone. Skagit County 4-H clubs, I know from Said Rachel’s dad, Douglas Smith, personal experience, are especially “Rachel did the 4-H Horse project for eight years and has ridden and cared for supportive. Also a 4-H club is a great her horse Breeze for the past four years. place to meet and make new friends since you will be around kids who share he 4-H youth program was started She has also been a part of club, county, a common interest with you.” at the beginning of the Twentieth state and national level 4-H leadership… Rachel’s older sister participated in Her 4-H experience has truly changed Century to ensure the future of rural the 4-H horse program for three years the direction of her teen years.” youth. It consists of a community of before her and graduated just before over six million members from ages nine The 4-H Horse Program teaches Rachel’s first year. Her younger sister is through nineteen and 60 million alumni knowledge of horsemanship and in her fifth year of 4-H and is showing all across America. In Skagit County, responsible, ethical equine use, care, the family’s one-year-old German 358 youth are enrolled members in and management. Said Rachel, “The shepherd in the dog program. 26 clubs; mentored by 83 volunteers. 4-H Horse Program is one of the most The clubs meet year-round with a Rachel grew up with many farm fun and rewarding things I have had focus on learning, leadership/life skills, the opportunity to be a part of... Riding animals around the family property. healthy living, citizenship and science horses either in competition or training They have had horses, dogs, chickens, through classes, hands-on projects and is enjoyable, worthwhile, and also geese, turkeys, rabbits, as well as a goat community service. memorable. I have learned how to work and a pig. Said Rachel, “Each animal is attend Officer Candidate School and work toward becoming an Airforce pilot. Later in life she would like to attend a vet school to earn a DVM degree and work in a large animal private practice.
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The 4-H motto is “Making the Best Better.” One of Skagit County’s proud 4-H club alumni is Rachel Smith who graduated from Anacortes High School this year and will be attending Brigham Young University in Idaho this fall. She will be Rachel Smith studying Animal Science to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. After her 4-year degree she plans to 10
SKAGIT COUNTY FAIR
harder and be more resilient through working with horses, and although it is not always easy, it is well worth the effort.”
Youth who participate in 4-H horse programs develop important life skills such as leadership, responsibility, a sense of self-worth, sportsmanship, teamwork, and community service. Said Rachel, “My experience in the 4-H leadership program was life changing. In my earlier 4-H years I was very shy. I was very introverted and less eager to push myself to do hard things. Through the leadership program I gained the ability to plan events, teach workshops, and lead activities for very large groups of other 4-H youth. This has contributed greatly to my improved public speaking ability.” When asked what advice she has for
a unique experience… so is feeding and cleaning up after them. But I do love learning about animals so getting the chance to work with them first hand and spend time with them is worth the work. Especially when it comes to horses.”
The Skagit County Junior Livestock Auction will be held on Friday night, August 9th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Skagit County Fair Pavilion. Meet the exhibitors and their projects during the social beginning at 5:30 p.m.
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