Overview

Recently I [Matt] had a chance to interview Tina Patton, a long-time 4-H volunteer in Nevada county who also directs our 4-H Horse Camp. The following are Tina's responses to my questions.

About Tina

[Matt] What is one of the most important life transitions you have faced and how did this make you a stronger person?

[Tina] Life is an ever-changing process involving challenges. It is how we respond to these challenges that shape us into the person we are. I have faced various obstacles, the most formidable of which was surviving a serious bout of bone cancer which led to life altering surgery. My condition left me at a crossroads. A good friend once told me an old saying, that if life hands you lemons, why not make lemonade! I decided the sweet taste of lemonade would be preferable to the daily sour taste of a lemon, so I chose daily to see the good and happy things in my own life and the people around me. This has enabled me to be a person who looks to see the positive things in people and in situations that present themselves through volunteering in the 4-H program.

Leadership in 4-H Horse Project

[Matt] What is 4-H Horse Project in Nevada County and how did you get involved in leadership?

[Tina] The Nevada County 4-H Horse Project operates as a countywide project (now a Spin Club) that is open to all 4-H clubs in Nevada County. The project meets once a month at a facility that is graciously donated for our project use.  Members learn about safe animal handling, basic riding technique, and animal husbandry. The project also provides leadership opportunities for youth and adults, along with actively seeking opportunities to give back to the community. The horse project has an annual schooling horse show and recently brought back its annual horse camp. The Nevada County 4-H Horse Project also offers a Horse Mastership achievement program where members can earn special awards such as belt buckles and saddle blankets, along with the 4-H animal proficiency program. We are currently working on a Mini Horse Mastership achievement program for our mini horse and unmounted members to participate in.

Motivation to Keep Volunteering in 4-H

[Matt] What keeps you motivated to be a 4-H volunteer after all of these years of volunteering? 

[Tina] Understanding the benefit of giving back to the community keeps me volunteering. Having raised three children of my own, I understand that youth are the future of not only community, but also things such as innovation, business, and technology. I feel it is important to invest in the most important resource a community has—it's young people.

Impact of 4-H Volunteering on Youth and Adult Outcomes

[Matt] What are the most important outcomes that the 4-H Horse Project provides for youth, parents, and project leader volunteers?

[Tina] One of the most important outcomes that the Horse Project provides youth is education in safe animal handling in a fun environment where they can learn and grow in their knowledge, leadership, and community service. Our project goal is also to enable a parent and/or guardian to be equipped to help their child by reinforcing what members are taught at home. Parents and/or guardians are a vital part in a members overall success as they possess an ability to influence and guide a member beyond the project. We tend to think mostly about our youth members when discussing the benefits of 4-H.  However, there is a tangible benefit to adult volunteers as well. The Nevada County 4-H Horse Project currently has ten adult leaders. I consider it a privilege to lead alongside them. Adult leaders in our project are able to exercise their ability in teaching, as well as constantly increase their skill and knowledge. Five of our leaders do not have children in the project. I feel this demonstrates the passion for teaching youth and giving back to the community that exists in our project.

Recommendations for Prospective 4-H Volunteers

[Matt] For those who are interested in becoming a 4-H horse project leader, but have never done something like this before, what would you recommend?

[Tina] The 4-H youth development program is always looking to add leadership. For those seeking to become a horse project leader, do not be intimidated thinking your knowledge base is too small. If anything, becoming a horse project leader gives you an expanded opportunity to learn and increase in skill. Personally, I have learned the most amazing things right alongside  youth members. Let your desire to give back to the community guide you into your leadership role.

Resources

To learn more about the 4-H Horse Project and ways you can get involved, check out our website.