4H
  4-H In Van Buren County

Councils Boards and Committees

There are several countywide 4-H organizations. All meetings are open to interested youth and parents. See the 4-H calendar for meeting dates and locations.

   4-H Leaders Association is an organization representing all 4-H leaders. Each club is encouraged to send a representative. During monthly meetings, participants share ideas with other club leaders and receive information about upcoming 4-H programs. The Leaders Association provides training for volunteer leaders and assists with the planning of the Van Buren County 4-H program. Its fundraising efforts provide scholarships to members attending regional, state, and national events.

   Jr. Livestock Producers Association (JLPA) is a 14-member board of youth and adults representing the beef, sheep, swine, and dairy projects. Their major responsibility is coordinating the 4-H livestock program.

   Small Animal Committee (SMAC) is a committee of teen and adult leaders representing the rabbit, poultry, cavy, and goat projects. They sponsor a Spring Show and the small market animal auction at the fair.

   4-H Horse Council is a board of youth and adults involved in the 4-H horse project. Membership includes a representative from each club and nine delegates-at-large elected at the annual meeting in November. The Horse Council coordinates the Horse program including a Spring Clinic, Open Benefit Horse Show, 4-H Horse Bowl team(s), State 4-H Show and the Van Buren Youth Fair. They also provide scholarships to 4-H volunteers attending Horse Leader Workshops.

   4-H Project Committees review fair book guidelines, make suggestions for improvement of 4-H projects and organize educational workshops for members or leaders involved in each project. Project leaders, parents and teens serve on the project developmental committees.

   Fair Board is an elected board of 12 adults. It meets monthly in planning for the Van Buren Youth Fair. The 4-H Youth Agent and county 4-H organizations cooperate with the Fair Board in planning the youth portion of the fair. Final authority on all decisions regarding the Van Buren Youth Fair are the responsibility of the Fair Board.

 

How Can I Help?

   Key Leader - organizes the club, keeps the official records and serves as the link between project leaders and the Cooperative Extension Office.

   Project Leader - the person who works with 4-H members in a specific project area to help them develop life skills and personal self-concept as they grow into mature, responsible adults.

   Resource Person - Does not teach a project for a specific club, work with a 4-H event or activity, serve as an expert for a project and assist other leaders.

   Teen Leader - an older 4-H member who actively participates in leadership activities, assist the club while gaining confidence and learning leadership skills.

   Parent - support your child in the 4-H program, participate in some family activities, provide materials, transportation and be in contact with your club and project leader.

   4-H Member - Attend all meetings, participate in activities and projects, show leadership when needed, keep records of activities and projects, and be in contact with leaders.

Last modified:  February 2005