What Makes a Successful 4-H Judging Experience?

This week marks our annual 4-H project judging.  Many youth are working carefully on their project books, posters, and representation of what they learned with the project they choose earlier this spring. Youth who participate in 4-H judging are given a taste of real world experience that is second to none. It helps them learn to communicate their experiences, thoughts, and learning with another person. While the ribbons fade, and the county fair will come to a close in September, those experiences will remain with the youth.  The many volunteers responsible for these experiences are our judges. Giving the youth their time, free of charge is something that I cannot give praise enough about. For the judging isn’t truly about the projects, but the interactions that those judges will have in that youth’s life.

Judges help youth to express themselves. They listen carefully, restate questions as needed, and allow youth time to think carefully about their answer. Smiles are a given, and each judge is given a child who is unique. Their skill.ls, experience, ability, and attitude may all vary, but the judge learns to adapt and help them grown from their experience.

Our 4-H judges have a large responsibility. They are asked to evaluate, educate, and encourage youth in their judging area. Many are extremely knowledgeable, enjoy the topics being discussed, and want to help youth learn more about the topic at hand.  Judges play a fun role that they get to enjoy and explore the creativity of the youth that come to them with projects. Asking questions, and exploring the fun things that the youth gained from their experiences. Many times a judge will encourage the youth to look further into the topic, or instill in them ways to gain more information about their project outside of 4-H.

Most of all judges are a role model to the youth they interact with. They are sincere, specific in their ideas, positive in their interactions, and friendly with their communication. It takes a special personality to judge 4-H youth projects, but we are always looking for help! Thank you to the many people in the community for their continued support as a judge!