4-H project workshops build life skills

Iowa County 4-H provided an afternoon of inspiration and exploration for 4-H members in fourth through 12th grade during 4-H project workshops at Williamsburg High School March 8.

The day featured five workshops: baking, First Aid/CPR, photography, welding, and woodworking. Youth learned introductory skills from community experts and gained insight as how to apply the skills in future professional, educational or hobby pursuits. The hands-on project workshops teach fundamental life skills that provide for positive experiences and confidence that every child needs.

Jean Schmidt and Jane Kaiser taught youth how to bake an apple pie from scratch. Passing skills along to the next generation, youth practiced reading and following a recipe, measuring, and mixing ingredients, creating a signature pinched crust, and even how to safely handle smoke in the kitchen when apple pie juices bubble out from the crust. Youth shared, “I never baked a pie before.” and “It was a challenge and I felt proud of myself.”

4-H Positive Youth Development program empowers youth to make a difference. Through the CPR and First Aid workshop led by Penny Yenter and Rob Nowotny, youth learned how to responsibly take action to respond to the needs of others, all part of being an active, responsible citizen.

From learning about camera equipment to creating great images through composition, color, light, and photo manipulation techniques, Kim Maxwell led the photography workshop.

Students were exposed to welding, an essential career. Facilitator, Landon Wade, reviewed the welding equipment, the importance of proper use and safety, and demonstrated welding techniques. Hot sparks were flying as 4-H members practiced steady hands and good hand-eye coordination during a stick weld. Learning a new skill such as welding can be intimidating, as 4-H member reports, “At first, I felt terrified, then I felt happy and creative.”

Youth operated various power tools to craft their own wooden cutting board. They grew in independence and confidence during the woodworking workshop led by Brent Ness of Ness Woodworking, who also serves as an Iowa County Extension Council member.

4-H youth leaders who assisted were Avary Helmrichs, Baxter and Charlie Koons, and Lilly Ness.

The Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program provides opportunities for youth to develop skills that they can use now and throughout their lives. For more information about joining 4-H, summer camp opportunities or how to volunteer for Iowa County 4-H, please contact the Iowa County Extension office at 319-668-1052, Visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowa/ or follow Iowa County 4-H on Facebook: IowaCountyIA4H