If you ask Ginny Francis to describe her most fulfilling life experience, she will tell you that being involved with the 4-H program as a parent, youth leader, and program coordinator unequivocally tops her list. Ginny has seen 4-H grow from small groups that met primarily in youth leaders homes with a handful of students to a program that supports an average of 20 students in each group and meets in churches, schools, and homes during the school year, preparing for the annual fair to display their work for judging placement. 4-H is a program designed for youth in their formative years, enabling them to develop leadership skills that will serve not only the individual, but also the community in which they live and work.

Children’s leadership skills are developed and nurtured by building confidence, fostering experience in a variety of areas such as creating artistic design in textile arts, photography, food, woodworking and many other programs including raising livestock. These projects are presented for judging at the annual 4-H summer fair, part of the Gallatin County Fair. Public speaking and writing, including cowboy poetry are some of the intrinsic exercises being taught in 4-H clubs. Ginny is particularly excited about this year’s program in shooting sports. Children are learning the skills involved in shooting air rifles, pistols, rifles, cowboy action shooting and archery. Learning the foundational skills in using these weapons will enable children to overcome their fear of the weapon and develop a healthy respect for the power of the tool.

The 4-H program that we know today was developed as part of the original Extension Service, a program created by Milburn Lincoln Wilson, under the guidance and leadership of Frederick Linfield, professor of Montana State College since 1902. Milburn Wilson was appointed to the position of Farm Institute lecturer in 1911, and became the states’ first County Extension Agent, responsible for training new county agents. The primary focus of attention at that point was dealing with the very real problems of soil conservation, rodent control, fertilizers, and livestock breeding. By 1937, Frederick Linfield had created many programs in place today related to scientific agricultural research. The research conducted created solutions to many problems including soil erosion and insect infestation, building the College of Agriculture into a nationally respected source of expertise. Through the combined efforts of Linfield and Wilson, a program for Home Extension Agents who taught families about the latest models in home appliances, food and nutrition updates, and clothing preparation was created. The forerunners for our current 4-H boys and girls clubs were also created, preparing exhibits for the original State Fairs. By 1934, County Extension Agents worked actively with several groups, including the 4-H Leaders Association. In 1948, the International Farm Youth Exchange program was initiated. Montana farm children were sent to live and work on farms in other countries to teach and learn, while children from other countries came to Montana to enjoy the same type of experience. By 1965, Extension resident county agents and volunteer local leaders made America foremost in the world for disseminating knowledge coming from research, and placing that use able information into the hands of working class people. As a result, other countries sent their own representatives to study our Extension program.

On July 9, 2002 Montana 4-H now boasting 31,000 participants, celebrated the national centennial anniversary. Gallatin County supports two clubs, the Lions for children ages 9-18 years of age amounting to 500 children and 100 volunteers, and the Cloverbuds, a pre 4-H program for children 6-8 years of age.

The agricultural community supporting Extension and the programs that stem from Extension is the foundation of life here in Montana. Even though for many of us, they seem to be invisible, their presence in this state we call home defines the roots of this culture. The adaptations that 4-H has endeavored to create in order to accommodate the needs of the changing population, weather, and climate that is becoming warmer and wetter than ever before, also represents a guide for the rest of us to adjust to changes we cannot control. The 4-H program has increased in popularity because of its ability to perceive the needs of the children involved in the program as they grow up and adapt to a changing world. New skills and confidence are required to make leaders who will create a world that respects and learns from history, adapting those lessons to current situations that need to be resolved.

The University of Toronto compiled information regarding Quality of Life components. Three major categories were considered in measuring the Quality of Life for humanity. The Being Domain covers physical health, psychological health, and spiritual health which defines having hope for the future, and ideas of right and wrong. The Belonging Domain defines our sense of safety in our homes, with member of family and friends, and Community belonging that defines how well our physical needs are met. 4-H addresses all of these Quality of Life topics. Educating our children immediately adds to the quality of their own lives. As those children interact with other members of their community in their formative years, and into their adulthood as they take more active leadership roles, each of their lives will impact in a positive manner upon members of their new communities. Becoming a part of this community may require some thoughtful consideration about making a commitment, but your efforts will be rewarded in ways that you cannot yet imagine. Donica Jamison is the 4-H Extension Agent for Gallatin County and she can be reached at 388-3213. Volunteers are needed, many disciplines are available from which to choose, and families are included in group activities.

Members who perceive the needs of the individuals and their communities, and methods that can be created to meet those needs determine the future of 4-H. Exercising control over the goals we establish brings hope, joy, and a sense of fulfillment to our lives. Ginny Francis’ goal is to see 4-H in its own building on its own piece of land so that the program can exercise more freedom and ease in presenting information, as well as a way to generate revenue for the program and community.

MSU Extension created Janice Aldrow’s curriculum for her degree in Family and Consumer Science Education. She is the author of The Art of Money Management.