The goal of the “Project Essentials” sheets is to provide a basic resource for 4-H members and parents to get started in a new small stock project. Small stock projects are a challenge, and these sheets will help provide first steps and basic knowledge on your animal’s needs. These sheets should be utilized by families to foster a youth’s ‘learning to learn’ skills. There are several key housing boarding and feeding needs to be discussed, in addition to cost estimates for each type of animal. You will also see an “additional resource” and "local resources" section. The additional resources are links to examples within a greater body of resource material, again this is not a complete source but rather a place to get started in your project journey. The local resources section is very important – getting involved in your local community will provide a 4- H member with a rich body of knowledge and experience, and this is a great opportunity for young people to interact with peers and caring adult volunteers.
Small Stock projects provide day to day experiences that enable youth to learn new skills and, most importantly, ‘learn how to learn. ’We expect 4-Hers to gain abilities and knowledge in:
- Marketable skills for many careers
- Planning, organization, goal setting, and record-keeping
- The wise use of resources
- Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision making
- Learning to learn
- Stress management and personal safety
- Self-discipline, self-motivation, and self-responsibility
Small Stock projects provide challenges that enable youth to gain social skills, learn valuable skills, and gain content expertise in career fields in a controlled context. These efforts allow young people to develop a sense of responsibility and maturity. Working through these difficult projects will have profound outcomes, not only as a 4-H member but as thriving adults. We expect 4-H animal projects to foster:
- Academic motivation and success
- Social competence
- Personal standards
- Contribution to others
- Connection with others
- Personal responsibility.
Completing an animal project is a proud accomplishment, and our goal in Extension is to help youth achieve success. Please feel free to share these documents and contact county-based 4-H professionals with further questions and guidance.