The community can explore the impact of 4-H and FFA during the upcoming Tour de 4-H.
The event runs Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at IFA and features live demonstrations and interactive displays of 4-H and FFA projects.
Attendees can learn about 4-H, enrollment and ways to get involved. Participation is open to all.
This year’s showcase includes projects from cake decorating and leathercraft to sportfishing, archery, visual arts to outdoor adventures. Attendees can also learn about animal projects involving sheep, goats, horses, rabbits and poultry.
“It’s a great visual story and an opportunity to see how 4-H develops leadership, responsibility and life skills in young people,” Norah West, Montezuma CSU Extension administrative assistant, told The Journal.
More than 30 youth members from 4-H and FFA will lead demonstrations and engage with visitors. The event is hands-on, allowing attendees to interact with projects and activities throughout the IFA location.
Tour de 4-H reflects a growing collaboration with FFA. While 4-H welcomes children as young as 5, FFA typically begins in middle or high school. Together, the programs build leadership, responsibility and life skills, preparing youth for success in agriculture, science and beyond.
“This year we decided to partner with FFA to elevate this experience because 4-H and FFA go hand in hand,” West said. “4-H helps prepare youtsh for FFA because 4-H begins as early as age five with Cloverbuds and eight for full members, while FFA starts in middle or high school. This means kids can gain early exposure to agriculture, animal care, food systems and leadership before they ever step into an ag classroom. 4-H projects (livestock, gardening, welding, sewing, robotics, etc.) help youths discover passions and skills. Then when they transition into FFA, those interests are expanded into Supervised Agricultural Experiences, career development events, and more specialized ag education.
“In 4-H, youth practice record books, demonstrations, contests, and parliamentary procedure,” she continued. “By the time they join FFA, many already have the confidence to speak in front of groups, run meetings or compete in contests like prepared speaking or Creed. 4-H youth often serve as club officers, county council members or junior leaders. These roles are a natural steppingstone to FFA chapter officers, district positions and even state/national leadership.”
4-H participants gain skills in confidence, leadership, responsibility, goal setting, perseverance, problem-solving, critical thinking, career exploration, community service, teamwork, peer relationships, mentorship and healthy choices.
“Overall, studies show that youth in 4-H are nearly four times more likely to give back to their communities and two times more likely to be civically active than their peers,” West added.
Organizers encourage families, educators and community members to attend the event and see the opportunities available in 4-H and FFA.
