Whether they are raising livestock, presenting projects, or volunteering in the community, members of the Graham Champions 4-H Club are developing skills that will last far beyond the local county fair.
The Solon-based club currently includes about 30 students from several local school districts, including Solon, West Branch, North Liberty, and Cedar Rapids. Members meet on the first Sunday of every month at the Solon United Methodist Church and participate in projects ranging from livestock and crafts to educational presentations and community service. For club leader Janeen Moses, the program’s greatest impact comes from the confidence and communication skills students develop through participation.
“I personally feel like I learned so much from 4-H from a communication aspect,” she said. “I can’t explain how much 4-H shaped my life, so I’m hoping kids today can also have that same experience.”
The club is open to youth ages 9 through high school graduation, and previous agricultural experience is not required. Members can choose to participate in as many or as few projects as they want, depending on their interests.
“We have kids who have never stepped foot on a farm and then some who grew up on one, there really is no requirement other than enrolling through 4-H online and selecting the club of your choosing,” Moses said. “You can take as many or as few projects as you’d like to the fair, and some kids enroll just to participate in the communication aspect of it.”
While livestock projects are a common part of 4-H, Moses said the program offers many other opportunities for students to explore their interests.
“There are a lot of workshops in our county as well as surrounding counties that members can attend,” she said. “Not necessarily all livestock specific. There are things like babysitting clubs, Lego® clubs, arts and crafts, and design elements.”
Members can also participate in educational presentations, where they speak in front of judges and peers about a topic that interests them using a poster board, props, or digital presentations.
“We really encourage public speaking and interacting with the public and other youth,” Moses said. “There’s just so much to it that can really help kids in school and in their future careers.”
The Johnson County Fair remains a highlight for many members. Preparing for the fair often begins months in advance as students work with their animals, develop projects, and learn about the responsibilities involved.
“There’s a lot of accounting to it,” Moses said. “Budgeting for your projects, making sure you can cover it, figuring out if you made money or lost money. There’s a lot that can really impact your adult life.”
Community service is another central part of the club’s activities. Members regularly volunteer at the Solon Nursing Care Center, where they update a birthday bulletin board for residents each month and visit to play bingo. Moses said the visits to the nursing home have become a meaningful tradition for both the club and the residents.
“It’s something the kids really enjoy doing,” she said. “They get to interact with the residents and brighten their day a little bit.”
Members are also planning to help with cemetery cleanups in Solon later this spring as part of their service efforts.
“It’s really whatever the kids want to do from a community service perspective.”
The club itself is student-led, with members serving as officers and helping guide meetings and activities. Adult leaders and parents provide guidance, but the goal is for students to take ownership of the program.
“We’re really just there to support the kids and guide them if they have questions,” said Moses.
While some participants pursue careers in agriculture, Moses said the lessons learned through 4-H often stay with members long after they leave the program.
“I’m seeing a lot of people I remember from the fair back now with their kids,” she said. “I don’t think you ever really lose that connection because it was such a positive experience growing up.”
Families interested in joining the Graham Champions 4-H Club can learn more through the Johnson County 4-H program or the Iowa State University Extension website.