The Washington County Fair Grounds and Conference Center in West Bend was the site for the annual Fall 4-H Open House which promotes joining 4-H as part of the September Open Enrollment period.
Youth members of the Washington County Leaders Association provided feedback in a focus group session about how to enhance this annual event. The 4-H Educator, Ron Jakubisin, facilitated the discussion with youth’s perspective that the past Open House events at the fairgrounds were in a small building which was hard to navigate and felt stuff. Their suggestion was to use a expo building which is bright and airy and offers more space for the public to visit with 4-H Clubs and countywide projects. Youth also made suggestions of adding music and more interactive stations and games to make the event feel more festive.
Outside of the main door, guests were greeted by two llamas from the llama project, and after registration they could find club tables organized by the geography of the county (clubs from the north in one spot, south in another, and so on). Project tables such as rocketry, stem and cake decorating had interactive features and more furry friends were there to greet guests. Cavies, rabbits, and chickens were available for potential new members to interact with and talk with youth leaders and adult project leaders to learn more about getting involved with 4-H.
The focus-group and feedback from the 4-H youth leaders inspired added value and positive change that adults might not have come up with on their own. Youth voice is essential in 4-H on a club level from youth officers to youth members and in this case, elevated the 4-H Educator and Washington County Leaders Association collaboration in putting on this annual event.
Contact Ron Jakubisin, 4-H Educator with 4-H questions at Ron.Jakubisin@wisc.edu