Two years ago when we moved to Salt Spring the kids made a deal with us. They told us they would be willing participants in our little adventure, but they got to do 4H, and get rabbits.

To hubby and I it seemed like a good deal, and so a few short months into our island life we were driving the kids to their first 4h meeting.

We are a small island club, but that has still given the kids the chance to explore poultry projects and rabbit projects, and at our annual island Fall Fair this past weekend, I had the chance to watch the girls in action and look back on our experience.

My 10 and 8yr olds were confidently explaining their animals to the judges, talking about primary feathers and bits of rabbits I never knew existed. They handled their beasties and answered questions on the fly.

And our critters? Well, all our birds went home with 1st place ribbons for health and quality (even though they were mutts) and our pretty Buff Orphinton actually took home a 2nd place for the show!

I thought 4h was a fun thing to participate in, something to keep the kids busy and (hopefully) teach them a little bit about how to care for  their pets.

What it ended up being was a place that pushed my kids confidence and gave them opportunities to speak in public and in front of a crowd.

It gave my 8yr old knowledge that she was then able to pass on to adults and kids who wandered through our tent.

And honestly, to see your “kinda quiet” 8yr old daughter smiling and sharing all about her chicken for 2 days straight kinda warms the heart.

If you live rural, if you have livestock, (even little stuff) let your kids experience 4h, and let them find the knowledge and responsibility they are looking for when living on a farm.