By Amalia Müller
“I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.”
The 4-H Pledge
4-H is an organization I participate in, and it has brought me my closest friends and made me a better, more well-rounded person. 4-H is a nonprofit youth organization similar to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Unlike Scouts, 4-H is mixed ages and genders. The 4-H age groups are: Cloverbuds (ages 5-7), Juniors (ages 8-13), and Seniors (ages 14-18). Many graduates return to volunteer after they age out of 4-H. 4-H is mostly kid-run, with adult guidance. Every year we hold elections for club officers. Our club’s president is Gemma Larson, a junior at Belmont High School.
Each club has its own structure and meeting schedule. My club meets once every month. At the start of our meetings, we recite the 4-H pledge. Next, we check in on our club’s bank account and upcoming events. Lastly, we do our club activity. We have done how-tos on drawing, photography, and crocheting. We also do a visual presentation once a year.
A visual presentation (also known as a VP) is when we research a topic and give a how-to demonstration or an illustrated talk using a set of slides, poster boards, or props to illustrate our main points. In our club, members of all ages are expected to give a VP. Each presentation has a time limit. Before finalizing our presentations, we get to practice presenting to our club. If we feel confident in our presentation, we can compete at the regional level, where we are judged. If our presentation is strong, we could make it to the state level or beyond.
Additionally, we participate in a fair every year. If you are curious about 4-H, then you can come to the Middlesex County 4-H Fair at 55 S. Chelmsford Road in Westford. The fair dates are in late August. The fair has many animals — horses, sheep, goats, rabbits, and more. It is a three-day/four-night festival/show for clubs across the county. It is definitely the highlight of the 4-H year.
On the first day of the fair, there is a parade. Clubs dress up in the year’s theme; for example, this year’s theme is “1776-2026: Then and Now.” The winner of the parade gets a trophy. Other fun things to see at the fair: Local businesses have booths to sell their products. Last year, there was a blacksmith, pony rides, bird handlers, and much more to see.
The last thing that I find super cool about 4-H is that every club specializes in a different animal. My club is a horse club — Littleton Hack ‘n’ Tack (the longest continuously running horse club in the United States) — and my sister is in a rabbit club — RCCC (Rabbit & Cavy Carrot Crusaders). Other clubs feature cows, sheep, chickens, goats, or dogs. I love my club and encourage you and your kid(s) to check out 4-H, where you will find something you will love and treasure forever.
For more information about Littleton Hack ‘n’ Tack, contact Liza Cassarino, leader, at dutchessL@aol.com or 508-560-7173. For more information about RCCC, contact Deanna Bourbeau, leader, at dmbkmb@gmail.com. To learn more about all the clubs in Middlesex County, please contact Erica MacLean, Northeast Region Extension educator, at ericamaclean@umass.edu or 413-887-2101.
Amalia Müller is a ninth grader at Belmont High School.
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