Empowering youth for success: How 4-H volunteers can prepare 4-H’ers for fairs and showcase events

Christine Heverly<sisungch@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - July 11, 2024

4-H volunteers play an essential role in preparing 4-H youth for fairs and showcase events.

A young boy in a pink shirt sitting at a table with a woman looking at a blanket. — 4-H’er participating in judging experience with a 4-H project. Photo Credit: Janelle Stewart

Fairs and showcase events can be the highlight of the year for many Michigan 4-H members, offering a platform to showcase their hard work, learn new skills and make lasting memories. 4-H volunteers play a crucial role in guiding and supporting youth through this exciting but often daunting process.

Michigan State University Extension offers some suggestions for ways volunteers can help prepare youth for a successful fair or showcase experience:

Project selection, planning and skill development: 4-H volunteers can assist youth in selecting projects that align with their spark, interests and abilities. This involves helping youth set realistic goals, plan their projects and understand the requirements and deadlines for participation in the fair or showcase. Volunteers can provide resources, share their own experiences, and connect youth with experts or mentors. Organizing and leading workshops is an effective way for volunteers to teach essential skills. Hands-on workshops can boost youth's confidence and competence before they are in a situation where they are being judged or scored.
Record keeping and documentation: Proper record keeping is essential for 4-H projects. Volunteers can teach youth how to maintain detailed records of their work, expenses and progress. This not only helps in fair preparations but also instills valuable organizational skills. Volunteers can also review and provide feedback on record books to ensure they meet fair standards. Michigan 4-H has fillable animal science record books and a fillable guide for member’s personal record that can assist members in getting started.
Mock judging and feedback: Simulating the judging process can help youth understand what to expect and how to present their projects effectively. Volunteers can conduct mock judging sessions, offer constructive criticism and teach presentation skills. This practice can reduce anxiety and improve the overall quality of the entries.
Encouragement and emotional support: Preparing for a fair or showcase can be stressful for young participants. Volunteers play a key role in offering encouragement, celebrating achievements and providing emotional support. A positive and supportive environment helps youth stay motivated, enjoy the learning process and leads to youth
Promoting teamwork and community involvement: Encouraging youth to work together and participate in group projects fosters teamwork and community spirit. Volunteers can organize team-building activities, facilitate group entries into the fair and promote a sense of camaraderie among members.

By providing guidance, resources and support, 4-H volunteers can significantly enhance the fair and showcase preparation experience for youth. Volunteer involvement not only helps in creating successful projects but also contributes to the personal growth and development of young members. The fair and showcase becomes more than just an event; it becomes a milestone in the 4-H journey, thanks to the dedication and efforts of volunteers.

For more helpful volunteer training information, check out the MSU Extension Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar Series webpage.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).