Activity: Small animal petting zoo

Group: Rusk County Small Animal Committee — Rusk County

Date of Activity: March 2014

Number of people: 15 youth; 8 adults

Number of hours: 6 hours per person

4-H members from various clubs set up and manned a petting zoo during the Rusk County Farm Show. This involves laying down tarps, hauling straw bales, bringing small animals and interacting with the public. It also means cleaning up well as this event is inside a school building.

It is so amazing to see young children who are afraid or tentative around chickens, geese, goats etc. to become relaxed and enjoy the petting zoo experience.

The 4-H youth gain confidence in themselves by answering questions and assisting the public with their experience. They learn about serving the community and working together.

Activity: Egg hunt at the Fair

Group: Rusk County Small Animal Committee — Rusk County

Date of Activity: August 2013, during the county fair

Number of people: 25 youth; 10 adults

During the Rusk County Junior Fair the small animal project members hide colored eggs throughout the multi-purpose barn. Young children then bring the eggs to a central location and get to pick a small prize from a tote. This service activity provides a fun experience for younger children who are not necessarily in the 4-H program.

Our 4-H participants learn to interact with the public, as the “egg hunt” prompts conversation, explaining the rules, giving kids the prizes etc. These experiences often lead to more interaction like showing the public the animals they’re showing at the fair.