By Rebecca Kirklin
My name is Rebecca Kirklin! I am 15-years old and a sophomore at Thompson Peak Charter School. I have been in 4-H for 6 years. This year, I am the 4-H County Ambassador. I look forward to working with 4-H members and representing 4-H in Lassen County.
Let me tell you a little about myself. My favorite project is the Leadership Development. It is my favorite project because I get to learn new leadership skills by doing leadership activities with my friends. I enjoy showing small animals and last year I showed a market goat for the first time.
I am the teen leader for the Richmond 4-H Poultry Project and a teen leader for the county-wide Shooting Sports Project. Through 4-H I have learned more about character development and made connections with other members and the community.
Maybe some of you are asking, “What is 4-H?” 4-H is one of the largest youth development organizations in the United States. 4-H is found in almost every county across the nation and enjoys a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the state land-grant universities (e.g., University of California) and local county governments.
4-H is about youth and adults working together as partners in designing and implementing club and individual plans for activities and events. Positive youth development is the primary goal of 4-H. The project area serves as the vehicle for members to learn and master project-specific skills while developing basic life skills. There are many different projects. A common misconception is that members have to do an animal project, they don’t!
All projects support the ultimate goal for the 4-H member to develop positive personal assets needed to live successfully in a diverse and changing world.
4-H participation has shown many positive outcomes. 4-H participants have higher participation in civic contribution, higher grades, increased healthy habits, and higher participation in science than other youth.
Some goals I have for the year as 4-H Ambassador include promoting 4-H in the community and starting a countywide project for clover buds (also known as primaries). I plan on working closely with the leadership development project to promote 4-H. I am working on making a countywide project for the clover buds to spark an interest in 4-H.
If you would like to find out more about 4-H and possibly join, please contact Darcy Hanson, the 4-H Program Representative. Her number is (530) 251-8285. Her email is [email protected]. Lassen County 4-H has 8 different clubs spread around the county that meet monthly on various nights. One is sure to fit your schedule.
Lassen County 4-H will be holding a drive through dinner fundraiser on Friday, October 30th. The menu for the fundraiser is chicken or tri-tip, potato salad, watermelon, a roll, and cookies. Tickets are $10. To buy tickets, please contact Darcy Hanson at the phone number or email listed above.
I am honored for the opportunity to be the ambassador for the upcoming year! I look forward to working with my advisor Ms. Dilts, other adult leaders, and the Leadership Development as a team.
This next year will help prepare me for challenges I may have to work through later in life. I am excited to see what the next year will hold!
