March 13, 2023 |

Photo – 4-H Emblem – Bigfoot99 file photo

4-H clubs in the Platte Valley kept busy this winter with a variety of programs held at the community center in Saratoga.

Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, known as 4-H, is a youth development program focused on hands-on learning and personal growth. During Carbon County winters, 4-H is mainly limited to indoor activities at the PVCC. 4-H Youth Development Educator Emily Haver described the activities provided to younger kids, called Cloverbuds.

https://bigfoot99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0313_4H-Programs-1.mp3Haver said the Cloverbuds curriculum is based around STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. She described this month’s space-based activities.

https://bigfoot99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0313_4H-Programs-2.mp3Haver said the Cloverbuds group is full, but open enrollment begins in October.

Another 4-H winter activity held at the PVCC is horse judging. Haver said the team is made up of kids 8 through 18. Since no live horses can be brought into the community center, Haver said they study using a variety of virtual tools.

https://bigfoot99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0313_4H-Programs-3.mp3The virtual classes teach the kids all about hippology, or the study of horses. Haver said the studying is in preparation for state-wide horse judging competitions.

https://bigfoot99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0313_4H-Programs-4.mp3Last year was the first time Haver’s 4-H horse judging team competed in the state finals. She said the kids did a great job in their age group.

https://bigfoot99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0313_4H-Programs-5.mp3Haver said she takes a hands-off approach with the hippology training. She said her team of skilled volunteer coaches should take all the credit.

https://bigfoot99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0313_4H-Programs-6.mp34-H shooting sports began this month. Haver said kids practice archery in the gym portion of the Platte Valley Community Center. Once spring arrives, 4-H will offer gun-based shooting training.

https://bigfoot99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0313_4H-Programs-7.mp3Haver said people may think the local 4-H club is focused entirely on Wyoming. She said the organization offers training across the globe.

https://bigfoot99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0313_4H-Programs-8.mp3Haver said to contact her if you’re interested in learning more about 4-H and the benefits it offers. She said 4-H activities run throughout the entire year.

https://bigfoot99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0313_4H-Programs-9.mp34-H enrollment begins in October. A year-long membership costs $10 if you sign up before December. After January 1st, the price increases to $20 for the year.