Inquiring minds want to know….what is 4-H and why is it important? | By Ella Walecki

Washington County, WI – Those who know me, know that 4-H is very important to me as a high schooler/teenager. I have been in 4-H since 2018. During that time, I have been a treasurer, participated in many parades, completed many service projects, and mostly shown at the county fair.

I am frequently asked what I have shown during my time at the county fair. To this point, I have shown Dairy Holstein Steers, baked goods, field crops such as corn and wheat, and lots of vegetables.

Many don’t understand that all of these projects require loads of hard work and dedication. Projects are started months and months before the fair and we spend all summer working on them; whether in the garden picking weeds or spending time with our steers each day. Many little things add up over time and pay off. 

Click HERE and subscribe to FREE local news at

Washington County Insider on YouTube

What is 4-H?

4-H is a group that focuses on educational and important lifelong learning skills for children. 4-H projects are meant to be hands-on and memorable. The 4 “H’s” stand for “head, heart, hand, and health.”

Why should you join 4-H?

• 4-H can open doors to many new experiences! 
• 4-H is not always just for youth; the whole family can get involved 
• 4-H is a great opportunity to explore careers
• 4-H is a great place to succeed. fail and learn from your mistakes 
• 4-H teaches lifelong practical skills you’ll need in life 
• 4-H members love giving back to their community
• 4-H helps prepare you for adulthood

When youth are preparing to show any sort of livestock at the county fair, it takes months and months in advance; lots of hardworking, long summers, skipping out on some events to work with your animals. Those animals need to become your best friends for those months and you build a bond with them. When getting any livestock ready for the county fair, you never know when your job is done, or how long you will be in the pen that day.

Although I’ve only been in 4-H for four years, I have definitely gained a lot of self-confidence, especially with 1,500-pound+ animals. I have also learned patience toward one another and leadership,

I encourage you or anyone to join 4-H and get a little more involved. There are many club opportunities within your county that can help you begin. 4-H is a great starting point to get involved and make important life-long memories. 

About the author: Ella Walecki is a 15-year-old sophomore at Random Lake High School. This is her first year showing dairy steers at the Washington County Fair. This is also her first year in Washington County 4-H. Previously, Ella was in Sheboygan County 4-H for three years.