By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
Everyone looked a little tense on Tuesday during the Wood County 4-H project non-livestock judging day in the Wood County Junior Fair Building.
Regardless of their project type—from nutrition and clothing to genealogy and archery—the 4’H’ers arrived dressed in Sunday best, with poster boards and examples of their work in hand.
The pre-4-H age Clover Buds were nervous, not knowing what to expect. And the senior members, who are more likely seasoned in the judging seat, were hoping to be able to answer the judges’ questions.
In preparation for judging day, the members spent time completing the project activities, filling out project books, and planning their presentations. When it was their turn to sit across from the judge, they knew it was go-time.
Results from the 4-H non-livestock judging are available here.
Tyler Fortain of Wood County Hot Shots 4-H Club admitted he was nervous for judging, but when he finished meeting with judge Tish Sampson, he was happy with the way it went.
The Perrysburg High School student knew the routine. As someone who enjoys “everything outdoors,” Tyler found his interest in shooting sports as a member of the Wood County Hot Shots club. The first year he took a shotgun project he earned first place and represented Wood County at the Ohio State Fair.
As Sampson waited for the next member to sit at her table, she took a moment to explain what she looks for during judging.
“I like them to be able to lead the conversation and tell me their likes and dislikes,” she said. Having strong goals and objectives is important and contributes to their judging scores.
Sampson, who has become an advocate for 4-H and the shooting sports, said she sees 4-H projects as “a great tool for youth development.”
“My first question is always, ‘Tell me what you did,’” said Amber Emmons, water quality analyst with the Wood County Extension Office and a judge for scrapbooking, art, graphic design, and genealogy.
They don’t have to be extroverts. “I like to see if they can get the ball rolling,” she said. “I don’t care where they start. Some of them are quiet, some of them literally talk my ear off.”
Some of the other questions she asks to spark conversation include: “What did you find challenging?” “What did you enjoy?” And for the older members, she might ask, “Is there a way you might use what you learned in the future?”
Ammons’ goal is to get them to talk to her and look her in the eye. “I don’t necessarily care how in-depth they go, but if they can talk to me and feel confident, that is what I look for.”
Because most of the 4’H’ers have picked a project they like, it usually doesn’t take long for them to find a topic they are comfortable talking about and the nervousness usually subsides, she said.
When the judging was over and the results were tallied, the 4-H program staff were pleased with the turnout and the efforts of all the members. “We are proud of the hard work the members put into the projects this year and every year.”
