4‑H. Two simple letters that have a massive impact on families in our area. When people hear 4‑H, an array of possibilities come to mind. Whether it’s showing livestock, baking your favorite family recipe or creating something with your hands. Like many other members in our local 4‑H club, our family likes to do a little bit of everything. Interests vary, but 4‑H gives us the opportunity to discover new areas of interest and continue to do the things they love.
Our family really enjoys building things with our hands and woodworking is one of our favorite projects! Each year our family looks around the farm and decides what they should make. With the boys being 9 and 11, we try to pick a project that is challenging -yet doable. This year they decided on Adirondack chairs. With the help of grandma, we were able to find a building plan the boys could understand. When bringing a project, you are being judged on how well you follow the building plans, did you note any changes made, and how the project looks when it's completely finished.
With the building plans printed and the supplies purchased, it was time to get started in great grandpa’s woodshop. Ty and Tate were in charge of "measuring twice, cutting once". With all the boards cut, they discovered they didn't enjoy sanding, but loved how smooth it was afterwards. Drills in hand, they started putting the chairs together. With the watchful eye of dad, background in construction and great grandpa, who is known for his homemade wood farm toys, they were set to succeed!
After the chairs were finished, I asked them what they enjoyed most about their projects. Ty said, "Learning from my dad and great grandpa."
They may not understand it now, but they are not only learning the importance of safety and following instructions, but they are creating memories that will last forever.