Washington County 4-H Program Catalog · dogs, therapy dogs, dog-related careers, and the wide array of dog sports. Members can choose to compete in the 4-H County Dog Show and may

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Washington County 4-H Program Catalog

IN THIS ISSUE 4-H Learn by Doing 1 Clubs in Wash. County 2 4-H Project Groups 3-4 4-H Adventures 4-5 Leadership Opportunties 6 Volunteer With Us 7 4-H Leasing Program 8 4-H Animal ID Information 9 FAQ & Contact Info 10

POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT We are excited that you are interested to learn more about 4-H in Washington County. You will find as you get connected that there is a lot going on and a lot of ways to get involved. It is our hope that the 4-H community will be a positive one for you and your family. In 4-H, youth are hands on in programs and activities. This learn-by-doing model teaches kids essential, transferrable skills that they'll use throughout their lives, such as problem solving, decision making, communicating and responding to the needs of others. Whether youth are building rockets or raising dairy cows, 4-H gives them the skills they need to succeed in life.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN 4-H? 4-H serves youth in grades kindergarten through one year past high school from all backgrounds and interests. 4-H offers membership without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or handicap.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN 4H? Join a local 4-H club 4-H clubs are groups of youth who meet regularly to work on 4-H projects, perform community service, develop leadership skills and learn to work together. Visit a club meeting in your area before joining and see what 4-H has to offer!

Get involved in a Project Group We have several groups that meet throughout the year to focus on a specific area of interest. Members join these groups in addition to their 4-H clubs. See page 3 for a current listing of our project groups available. Participate in 4-H Adventures 4-H Adventures are one-time events where youth can participate in a 4-H project or activity. There is no year-long commitment to participate. Opportunities for 4-H Adventures are listed on page 4-5 and are updated as they are available on our website:

http://www3.extension.umn.edu/county/washington/4-h









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Welcome to 4-H We are excited that you are looking to get involved as a 4-H member in Washington County! 4-H provides a positive learning experience for the whole family. We are sure at this point you have a lot of questions. Your 4-H year will be full of exciting opportunities such as meeting new people, participating in programs and activities along with learning about opportunities available to you in Washington County, regionally and across Minnesota. We realize that joining 4-H can be overwhelming. We hope that this publication will help answer some basic questions for you and your family. Please remember that at any time feel free to contact another family in your club, your club leader or staff at the Extension Office. Ann Church- 4-H Program Coordinator 651-430-6809 [email protected] Megan Slater- 4-H Program Coordinator 651-430-6805 [email protected]

Kathy Erf-Administrative Specialist 651-430-6800 [email protected]

4-H Clubs in Washington County

4-H clubs provide a home base to get to know other youth, learn a variety of projects, do community service and find out what other opportunities exist in Washington County 4-H Forest Lake Rangers 2nd Monday 6:30 pm Forest Lake Service Center Club Leaders: Krista Hoekstra, Rachel Gierke Town of May 2nd Monday 7:00 pm Scandia Community Center Club Leaders: Tim & Megan Newcomb Soil Savers 2nd Monday 6:00 pm St. Andrews Church Mahtomedi Club Leaders: Beth Jensen, Emily Bishman, Lynette Showers Wranglers 2nd Thursday 6:30 pm Oak Hill Campus Lutheran Church Club Leaders: Laura Determan, Lisa Kalka St. Croix Clovers 1st Friday 6:30 pm Baytown Community Center Club Leaders: Becky Tenpas Lucky Aces 3rd Monday 6:30 pm Baytown Community Center Club Leader: Ellen Rademacher, Brynna Turnau TLC-The Lucky Clovers 2nd Sunday 5:00 pm St. Peter Lutheran Church, Afton Club Leaders: Andrea Schotzko, Krista D. Woodbury 1st Monday 6:30 pm Woodbury Estates Club Leaders: Michael Liegel, Mindy Richmond Valley Shamrocks 2rd Sunday 2:00 pm Windy Ridge Ranch Club Leaders: Susan Ward, Kim Fleming Sunnyside Varies Monthly 7:00 pm Various Locations in So. Wash. County Club Leader: Jill Leyde Happy Hornets 1st Tuesday 7:00 pm Cottage Grove Service Center Club Leaders: Jolene & Jeff Abelson Country Cousins 2nd Friday 6:30 pm Cottage Grove United Church of Christ Club Leaders: Robin Sperry Riverside Routers 2nd Sunday 6:00 pm Carpenter Nature Center Club Leader: Bridget Herman, Crissy Wagner Not finding what you need? Connect with our staff to learn how you can start a new 4-H Club today to tailor the 4-H experience to your need.

mailto:[email protected]











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THE 4-H IMPACT

96% of youth said they were noticed for their abilities.

95% of youth felt like they were an important part of their communities.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Project Groups each have their own fee structure to support the additional educational opportunities and supplies needed. Contact the Office for info.

Project Groups Dive deeper into an area of interest through the variety of project groups we have across Washington County!

Horse Project

Join a community of youth interested and passionate about horses and riding! You can show your horse or compete in horse performance events at the County Fair. And don’t miss out on summer Horse Camp, a traditional overnight camping experience with plenty of riding, clinics, and education. 4-H’ers can also explore many horse related topics such as feeding, breeding, grooming, health, horse related careers, and more through Horseless Horse and Horse Related projects. You can also test your horse knowledge with Hippology or join a Horse Project Bowl team.

Lama

There are so many things to do in the Lama Project including learning to show lamas for showmanship or agility. You can also explore many lama related topics such as care, grooming, feeding, fiber types, careers and more with a general 4-H project. Lama training runs from spring to summer culminating with the shows at the County and State Fairs. Don’t have an animal? Don’t let that stop you from joining! 4-H members can lease animals or learn without one! See the information on page 8 about leasing opportunities.

STEM

Through various hands-on activities like rocketry, robotics, environmental education, and computer science, discover the scientist or engineer within you. Also learn from professionals in STEM careers through speakers and field trips. STEM programs include Lego League Grades 4-7th (Fall), First Tech Challenge grades 7-12th (Fall), National Youth Science Day (Fall), Rube Goldberg (Summer), and various Project Workshops throughout the year.

Shooting Sports & Wildlife

Shooting Sports & Wildlife builds skills in the safe use of firearms and archery, and teaches youth about wildlife, environment, habitats, and the importance of protecting Minnesota's natural resources. Weekly training runs winter through summer culminating at the State Shoot event in mid-September.









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Dog Project Learn to train a dog for agility, obedience, showmanship or to be an ideal pet. Topics include canine behavior, breed characteristics, diseases, ethics, grooming, health, nutrition, responsible breeding, service dogs, therapy dogs, dog-related careers, and the wide array of dog sports. Members can choose to compete in the 4-H County Dog Show and may be eligible to compete in the State Dog Show. Training runs from April through the summer culminating in the County Dog Show the week after the County Fair.

4-H Adventures

4-H Open House If you are new to 4-H, the Open House is the place to start. Meet volunteers, club leaders, and youth from across the county and get many of your questions answered. This event is held in October at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

Project Workshop Days A morning of packed workshops to engage the creative mind. Whether you like photography, animals, science or gardening you’ll find some great workshops to sign up for and you’ll walk away with your handiwork! These projects will make great entries to bring to the County Fair! These workshops are held in various months during the year.

Cloverbud Learning Days All Cloverbuds ages K-2 grade are invited to Cloverbud Learning Days! Cloverbuds will participate in hands-on cooperative activities while making new friends in 4-H! Cloverbud Learning Days are held in the winter and spring months.

Performing Arts Performing Arts events include Share the Fun, One Act Play, and a talent show in the spring and Arts-In Encampment in the summer. Develop and present stories through acting. Or if you enjoy music write songs, sing, or play an instrument.

Livestock Workshops Come learn how to raise and show your animals for the County Fair! Animal workshops might include Rabbit, Poultry, Sheep, Swine, Dairy, Beef, and Goat.

NO PRIOR 4-H EXPERIENCE NEEDED

4-H Adventures are open to anyone of 4-H age, with no year-long commitment needed. It’s a great way to get a taste of 4-H and see what all the buzz is about.

Sewing Service Projects Our Sewing Service Project days include Cozy Quilts in the fall and Pillowcase Dresses in the winter. Come join the fun and learn sewing skills as you work alongside other 4-H’ers and adult volunteers to create projects that benefit others. Food and some materials are supplied.

Fashion Revue Fashion Revue encourages members to focus on their sense of style, fashion, and consumer skills. 4-H’ers can either construct their own outfit or purchase an outfit to be judged. Participants then show off their creations during a fashion show. The fashion show is also open to Cloverbuds to display their style!

Get a taste of 4-H. Just be prepared to leave wanting more!









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More 4-H Adventures Food Revue

Get your palette ready and

prepare your plate for Food

Revue! This event is a great fit for

those who are interested in food

and nutrition, and healthy

lifestyle choices. After making up

your entry, present it before a

judge and see what you can learn!

This event is held in the winter.

Specific rules and guidelines

apply so contact the Extension

Office if you are interested.

Creative Arts Day Creative Arts Day is a great time

to learn and explore fine art

skills! The topics are exciting and

different each year. Explore

topics such as needle felting, clay

designs, painting, wood burning,

printing, and more. Creative Arts

Day is held in the spring.

Summer Resident Camp Experience all the great benefits

of 4-H during summer resident

camp! Camp brings together all

of your favorite summer

activities such as exploring the

outdoors, crafts, activities,

campfires, and more. Participants

will make new friends and learn

how to work together through

team activities and cabin group

games. Camp is held at the end

of June.

“To us 4-H is about teaching our

children valuable skills, seeing

them grow and having the strength and courage to tackle any

challenges in their everyday lives”

- 4-H Volunteer

“4-H has given me countless opportunities and has helped me

grow as a person immensely!”

- 4-H Participant

4-H Day Camps

Join 4-H for super fun and super

exciting Day Camps! Explore

different topics such as animals,

STEM, healthy living, leadership

and more with friends through

hands-on activities, crafts, and

games. Day Camps are held in

early July and are either 3 or 4

days in the same week.

Project Bowls

Project bowls are an exciting way

for youth to explore a project

area. Teams compete in quiz

competitions with questions

about specific project areas.

Project bowls are available for

dairy, dog, general livestock,

horse, poultry, rabbit and

wildlife projects. Winners of the

regional bowls advance to the

State Project Bowl. Each project

will meet independently. Contact

the Extension Office for the local

coach for a specific project area.

National Youth Science Day

Many everyday challenges can be

solved by using the scientific

method. National Youth Science

Day delivers a workshop that

engages potential and current 4-H

members in STEM experiences

while learning about new

challenges and how to solve them.

This event is held in the fall.









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4-H Citizenship and Leadership OpportunitiesCounty Ambassador Program

The Washington County 4-H Ambassador program provides opportunities for youth to represent 4-H through leadership and citizenship that contributes meaningfully to their communities. County Ambassadors also help plan and implement 4-H programs for other 4-H youth such as Project Workshop days and Day Camps. Ambassador meetings are held monthly and are open to 4-H’ers grades 7 and up.

State Ambassador Program

The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador program is a program that strives to exemplify the ultimate in youth citizenship and leadership in Minnesota. Any youth currently involved in Minnesota 4-H and its programs who has completed at least the 10th grade is able to apply.

Club Officers

Every 4-H club elects officers each year to carry out business and organizational roles at the club meetings. As an officer, 4-H youth have the chance to increase their public speaking skills and leadership skills by fulfilling their duties for the club. Officer roles include: president, vice-president, secretary and the youth treasurer. Some clubs may have additional roles such as historian, reporter and committee roles to carry out additional business or educational opportunities for the 4-H club.

Central Region Youth Leadership Retreat

Join other 4-H youth in the Central Region over MEA to learn how to be a better leader! Through fun activities and breakout sessions you will make new friends and learn more about yourself.

“I met tons of really cool people and

had meaningful conversations. I

learned more about myself, others, and

the world around me. I HAD SO MUCH FUN!”

- Youth Leadership Retreat Participant

Youth Teaching Youth

Are you interested in a career as a teacher or counselor? Would you like to gain experience in public speaking and classroom management while fine-tuning your leadership skills? If so, join Youth Teaching Youth! Teen Teachers instruct at elementary schools within your district on topics such as character education, internet safety, and alcohol and tobacco decision making. YTY is open to teens in grades 9-12.

Executive Board

The Executive Board is an elected group of 11 youth and 7 adult volunteers who carry out business for Washington County 4-H each year. Members are elected in July. Youth terms are one year, adult terms are two year terms. All 4-H members are invited to attend four of their meeting during the year.

BLU: Building Leadership & Understanding

The BLU program is an exciting and fun leadership adventure that brings together youth from across the Central Region of Minnesota in an overnight leadership workshop. Each retreat uses a youth-teaching-youth model to teach a leadership topic, participate in team-building activities, and meet other youth from their region. This event is held in February.

YELLO: Youth Exploring Leadership & Learning Outloud

YELLO is a citizenship and leadership conference that brings together approximately 300 youth from across Minnesota and the surrounding region to listen to motivational speakers, participate in hands-on activities, engage in a service-learning project, and explore fun and educational opportunities in the region. The youth participants get the opportunity to meet other youth across the state. This event is typically held in June.

Citizenship Washington Focus

CWF is a citizen and leadership event for high school youth from across the United States. Youth learn about government, the legislative process, meet with elected officials and visit many national monuments and historical sites in Washington D.C









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Volunteer With Us! Give Back and Be Amazed In 2012, nearly 11,000 adult volunteers contributed more than 1 million hours of service (a value of $23 million!) to support the positive development of Minnesota's youth. Minnesota 4-H could not operate without their participation. Volunteers say they benefit from staying involved, too. If you have skills and passion around a particular area of interest or just have a desire to work alongside young people and make a difference in their lives we want YOU! The great thing about volunteering with 4-H, is that we can customize your role to fit your individual needs and schedule. There are many ways to volunteer, including short-term volunteering such as leading a workshop, helping at a local event, being a chaperon or judging at the County Fair, or longer-term involvement such as leading a club or project group. Contact the Extension Office to consider what ways you can become involved with 4-H and begin making an impact for tomorrow’s generational leaders or visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/volunteer/

“What I get out of 4-H is really, not only the opportunity to work with my own kids, but to see the growth of

other kids that are involved in these projects…Because 4-H has become so diverse there is tremendous opportunity to really get involved in a project area that you have a personal interest or your family has a personal interest in." – Tom Pieron, Carver County volunteer and Pipestone County 4-H alumni

Training Opportunities Help You Succeed 4-H’s research-based, learn-by-doing model equips kids with skills such as problem solving, decision making and communicating -- essential for them to succeed in school, college, careers and communities. Volunteers have a role to play in 4-H clubs, after-school programs, community service, civic engagement and camping programs. We will provide you with the training and resources you need to volunteer – you provide the passion for helping youth succeed! 4-H offers a number of training opportunities throughout the year where volunteers learn about leading clubs, projects and more. A number of these training can be completed right at your own home via our online training webinars including modules on:

Creating a welcome 4-H environment 4-H project leaders: Where the action starts

And more! There are also a number of great face to face training opportunities that you can complete including the annual Fall Leaders Training which provides relevant training to all interested volunteers.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/county-fair.html

http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/leading-club/

http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/volunteer/









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4-H Leasing Program No animals? No problem! The Minnesota 4-H program recognizes the educational value of participating in animal science projects. Minnesota 4-H allows the leasing of animal science projects to encourage a greater number of members to have the opportunity to experience livestock projects. This program is designed to make it possible for a 4-H member to have a non-owned 4-H project which can be exhibited at county fairs, Minnesota State Fair 4-H show, and other youth or open exhibitions. The 4-H member will gain hands on experience in managing and showing the 4-H animal science projects through the cooperation and mentorship of local animal owners. "I am very surprised that I got this involved with it...I've created such a friendship with people who live out on a farm, and it's just a great experience. I never thought it'd be this much fun." – Sam, 4-H’er from Owatonna

Discussion with the owner of the animal There are some basic questions and discussion points to consider with the owner of the animal as you enter into the 4-H lease program such as housing arrangements, feed costs, management of the animal, veterinary and show expenses, transportation and more. For a complete list of these discussion points read the Minnesota 4-H Lease Program Fact Sheet at http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/animal-science/docs/Lease-Fact-Sheet.pdf.

4-H Animal ID Requirements Ownership Requirements for All Animal Science Projects are uniform for Beef, Cats/Pets, Dairy, Dairy Goat, Dog, Horse, Lama, Meat Goat, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep and Swine: Animals must be owned solely by the 4-Her or the 4-Her’s family. The family includes the 4-Her’s parents/guardians and siblings living together as a family unit. The definition of family includes an extended family where the animal may be owned by grandparents as long as the 4-Her’s parents are actively involved with and working on the farm. Animals owned in partnership with non-family members (as defined above) must be leased and follow guidelines within the lease agreement. Lease agreements must be submitted by May 15 with 4HOnline data. Market animals (with the exception of prospect calves) cannot be leased. All Animal Ownership Deadlines: February 15: Market Beef (beef steers, market heifers & dairy steers) May 15: Breeding Beef, Dairy, Dairy Goats, Dog, Horse, Lama, Meat Goat, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep, Swine. Fryer Rabbits (should be 70 days old at show) 4-Her must own the doe of fryer rabbits and doe must be identified by May 15. June 1: Jr. Meat Goats July 1: Jr. Doe Kid Dairy Goats

More specific information for animal science project requirements, ID info and deadlines can be found on the Minnesota 4-H website: http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/animal-science/animal-ID/

http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/animal-science/docs/Lease-Fact-Sheet.pdf

http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/animal-science/docs/Lease-Fact-Sheet.pdf

http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/animal-science/animal-ID/









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4-H Frequently Asked Questions What is 4-H? In 4-H, youth help design and participate in programs and activities. This unique, learn-by-doing model teaches kids essential, transferrable skills that they'll use throughout their lives, such as problem solving, decision making, coping, communicating and responding to the needs of others. Whether youth are building rockets, raising dairy cows, or writing musical plays, 4-H gives them the skills they need to succeed in life.

What do the four H’s on the 4-H emblem stand for? The 4-H emblem is a green (representing youth, life and growth) four leaf-clover with a white (representing purity and high ideals) ‘H’ on each leaflet. The H’s represent Head, Heart, Hands and Health.

What is the 4-H pledge? At 4-H club meetings and other 4-H events, 4-H members recite the Pledge of Allegiance and this pledge: 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 family, my club, my community,

my country and my world.

Isn’t 4-H just for people who live on farms? No! 4-H is for all youth, wherever they live. It reaches all youth through 4-H clubs, special-interest groups and short-term projects. The most popular projects in Minnesota include photography and crafts & fine arts. 4-H also offers activities in:

Science, Engineering and Technology Citizenship and Leadership Healthy Living

Animal Science

What age must you be to join 4-H? 4-H serves youth in grades kindergarten through one year past high school from all backgrounds and interests. Members who are in kindergarten through 2nd grade are enrolled as Cloverbuds. At this age, we introduce 4-H members to the experiential learning theory and structure age-appropriate activities and projects. There are some limitations that do not allow Cloverbuds to take part in all 4-H activities, such not being able to show livestock and only being allowed to bring a limited amount of projects to the County Fair. Once 4-H members reach 3rd grade they can enroll in all of our projects and exhibit them at County Fair.

What is a 4-H club? 4-H clubs are groups of youth who meet regularly to work on 4-H projects, perform community service, develop leadership skills and learn to work together. Guided by one or more adult volunteers, a club can be any size, from a small group of neighborhood kids to a large group from a school or county. Visit a club meeting in your area before joining and see what 4-H has to offer!

How do I enroll in a 4-H club? The easiest process is to complete a quick online enrollment through 4-H Online. You can also submit paper forms to the Extension Office. You are welcome to attend a club meeting prior to enrollment to make sure it is a good fit.

Can I switch 4-H clubs? Yes! We encourage people to find a club that meets their needs before enrolling online but life changes happen and you may need to move to a new club. Contact the Extension Office to change your online enrollment.

https://mn.4honline.com/

http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/4honline/alternative.html









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4-H Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost? Washington County 4-H charges an annual membership fee of $25/person with a $100/max per family. Some 4-H Clubs have additional dues to offset costs. Additional project group costs vary, though many don't require a big investment.

What if I cannot afford 4-H, are their scholarships? Yes! Contact the Extension Office if you need financial assistance for your membership fees or programs and events.

When do I pay? Is there a deadline to enroll in 4-H? Once you decide that you want to enroll in 4-H, the membership fee either check or cash needs to be mailed to the Extension office. While a 4-H member may enroll at any time, there are limitations and consequences for members who enroll after May 15, such as the inability to earn a certain ribbons and attend the State Fair. There are also competitive deadlines for 4-H members who are exhibiting animals at the County Fair. Contact the Extension Office for more details.

I went to a 4-H meeting and felt overwhelmed, what do I do next? It is normal for new members to feel a little overwhelmed at their first 4-H meeting. 4-H is a broad and diverse community organization with plenty of history and opportunities. We are constantly striving to make our 4-H clubs welcoming and supportive environments, especially for new members, but we are not perfect. We encourage you to keep attending and reach out by asking questions to a 4-H volunteer or Extension Staff member. Families that ask questions and seek to learn more will benefit.

Is 4-H a safe place for my child to attend without me? Yes! All of our 4-H volunteers go through a screening process that includes an application, background check, orientation and a focused Safety of Minors webinar training. It is important if you are leaving your child for an extended period of time that you communicate your expectations with the volunteers to make sure they are on the same page. While not always possible it is beneficial for parents to sit through club meetings with their children so they can understand what the club is doing, know how to support their child and hear of opportunities where they can help.

How do I participate at County Fair? County Fair registration starts in early June and closes early July. Materials to register are available online or through the local Extension Office closer to the deadline. It is also important that any animals being shown have been properly ID’s by the May 15 deadline.

Why should I participate at County Fair? County Fair provides a great opportunity for youth to showcase some of the learning and projects they have done throughout the year. For each 4-H member County Fair provides a way of “wrapping up” their learning because each project is exhibited before a judge. This is a great opportunity to gain confidence and public speaking skills. It is also a very fun weekend filled with great friends, fun events and good food! Finally, each project judged will earn a premium check from the Fair board depending on what ribbon they earn!

Who can I contact if I have questions? 4-H in Washington County is supported by over 100 volunteers. Many of them can answer common questions you have. Club leaders are also an excellent resource. If you need additional help, the Washington County Extension Office is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00-4:30 pm. and Friday by appointment only. Give us a call before you stop by the office to make sure someone is here.

Who are the 4-H Staff in Washington County? Ann Church, 4-H Program Coordinator 651-430-6809 or by email at [email protected] Megan Slater, 4-H Program Coordinator 651-430-6805 or by email at [email protected] Kathy Erf, 4-H Support Staff can be contacted at 651-430-6800 or by email at [email protected]




Documents

Washington County 4-H Program Catalog · dogs, therapy dogs, dog-related careers, and the wide array of dog sports. Members can choose to compete in the 4-H County Dog Show and may