Over the past week, we’ve heard from some of the key players in 4-H clubs throughout the state because of National 4-H Week. Lastly, we’re hearing from Tracy Wagner, a co-leader of the Chilton Tip Top 4-H Club. Wagner got involved in 4-H about 15 years ago and has been in a leadership role for the past 11 years. Even though she was never in 4-H growing up, her siblings were and she saw the importance of the organization.
“One of the main reasons I wanted to take a role is because I just saw how many good things that it has helped with my kids, that I just wanted to make sure it continues and I can help as many youth as I can,” she said.
Wagner explained that it’s not even all about the big lessons being a part of 4-H can teach you, it’s about the little things as well. For example, her children have been in officer roles within their club and have learned public speaking skills, how to be organized, how to handle a checkbook, and how to record minutes.
“4-H is just a well-rounded program. We will find an interest for you that you would enjoy,” Wagner said. Some of the activities members can take up are summer camps, winter leadership camps, the youth conference at UW-Madison, the American Spirit Trip, and the Washington Focus trip. If trips aren’t something of interest to you, there are other activities as well like shooting sports, robotics, photography, cooking, and more.
One of the other benefits of 4-H is finding people that could be long-lasting friends. “One of my stories that I like to share is that my middle daughter Elizabeth is in her first year at UW-Oshkosh. Well, on her trips she met another girl from another county. They went on their trips together and now they’re on the same floor at Oshkosh,” she said. “So going to Oshkosh and having someone there that you already know is huge.”
If you would like to find out more about joining a club in your area, please contact your county extension office. To hear the full interview with Tracy Wagner, check out the agriculture podcast page.
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