In the spring of 1988, the C-D (C bar D) 4-H club would meet frequently in anticipation for the Southeastern Utah Junior Livestock Show in Ferron, UT. Our advisor, Diane Bott, put significant effort into helping all members prepare for the event. Each meeting would include the recitation of the 4-H pledge. I still remember it.
“I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

What is the benefit of 4-H? I am sure it is different for every 4-H’er, depending on their goals and personal situation. Many will give the typical answers; that it builds character, creates discipline, teaches youth about agriculture, teaches sportsmanship, etc., etc. While all of that is true, there is more that this program can and does do for our youth.

To me one of the greatest values of the 4-H Program is that it allows 4-H’ers the opportunity to gain confidence in themselves by caring for something that is 100% dependent on them. I remember a young 4-H’er who was uncomfortable getting in a pen with the lamb that he was going to take to the show that year. The previous year, he had been hit by a large ram while feeding the sheep with his dad. This made the boy terrified of sheep. Even though he was scared, he had to face this fear; because without him the lamb could not eat or drink and could not have a clean place to live. Little by little, this young boy became more and more comfortable around livestock. I catch a glimpse of this boy every time I look in the mirror.

I remember how attached I became to my own lamb my first year in 4-H. I was only 7 at the time. I cried the day of the sale, as I hugged my lamb goodbye.

Caring for animals will bring out the best in us. Regardless if it is a piglet, a lamb, a calf, a puppy or a kitten, children learn what it feels like to have a living creature rely on them, and that teaches responsibility in a way little else can. Caring for a pet creates a sense of empathy and a respect for life. It teaches commitment and consistency, and it builds self-confidence and provides immense joy.

I am grateful for my time as a 4-H’er. This picture is of me with my first lamb at the stock show in Ferron, UT in 1988.

The smile on my face right now is just as big as I remember this exciting day.

And that is my take!

N. Isaac Bott, DVM