Ranch Raised with Karina Jones – 4-H Pledge

For many, 4-H becomes a way of life, for the rest of their life. Thanks for celebrating National 4-H Week with me right here on Ranch Raised. 

As I reminisce about growing up in this organization, I can’t help but think of how it molded me into the human I am today.  Living the 4-H pledge out loud, every day, is one of my greatest accomplishments!  Let me share that pledge with you.  “I pledge my head to clearer thinking.” I was a livestock judging competitor growing up. It is hands down my favorite 4-H memory.  My team and I got to proudly represent the state of Nebraska at the national competition in Louisville, KY. That was a huge accomplishment for some small fries from little ole western Nebraska!  Livestock judging is the ultimate critical thinking and communication development exercise. And I am thrilled to see my oldest daughter carrying her passion to judge down to Oklahoma as she competes for Redlands Community Collge. 

 To some the idea of sewing a dress or pair of pants seems so outdated, but the skills I learned from sewing are timeless. To learn how to take the words of instruction from a pattern and execute them is an accomplishment. If you are going to sew, you better expect to be challenged. I learned to problem solve, which sometimes required walking away from the project for a few hours to clear my head and coming back with a new mindset to take on the challenge.  

“I pledge my head to clearer thinking.” 4-H sharpens a child’s critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills, some of the greatest skills I carried forward, even today.  The ribbons will fade, the trophies will collect dust, but the skills you gain are yours to keep and develop forever.