4H is an amazing organization that I don't think parents realize is out there for their children. It is hands-on learning and education programs for kids to build skills like responsibility, resiliency and hard work, helping them to succeed in life. It is a rewarding program that helps youth gain experience that will help benefit their future careers and lives. I am grateful to have been in 4H and hope this encourages parents to get their kiddos in a club.

1. Independence.

We learn to do things on our own (i.e. prepping horses for shows).

2. Creativity.

We find out that we can be creative in so many different ways.

3. Planning.

We plan baskets for families in shelters and divvy up who brings what for the basket.

4. Community Service.

We work with the community to support those in need. One thing we did was make cards for sailors on deployment thanking them for their service.

5. Public Speaking.

We learn how to research topics of our interest and then deliver them to a panel of judges; it helps us become stronger speakers when in interviews.

6. Hard Work.

I take my personal experiences to write my 4H story for my record book and it moved the panel so much that I won Senior Story of the Year.

7. Skill Building.

I did almost everything. I learned western, english and carriage driving throughout my time in 4H. I wish I learned a fourth thing.

8. Resume Building.

I built my resume from my 4H horse experiences since I wanted to work more with horses.

9. Team Work.

Whether it is with an animal or with a person, you learn more that you need to work together in order to succeed.

10. Friendships.

Friendships are grown because we are around other individuals who share an interest with us.

11. Collegiate Prep.

If you ride horses, doing the horse shows will prep you for the big shows you'll compete in. In IHSA, 4H experience counts toward the level you'll be in.

12. Determination.

It teaches you to strive for the best in you, to work insanely hard to accomplish your goals.

13. Budgeting.

I learned to keep track off all my spending when it was related to horse things.

14. To Just Have Fun, Even When Competing.

Yes, I know competing to be the best fun and all, but having fun makes the competitions even better because of the memories you make.

So check it out, parents, this is awesome for your kids because they discover passions that they never thought they had before.

SEE ALSO:10 Signs You Grew Up A 4-H Kid

SEE ALSO: 9 Reasons Why Kids Should Never Join 4-H