Council member credits group
Butler County 4-H is part of the nation’s largest non-formal youth development organization that provides its members the opportunity to “learn by doing” through hands-on projects.
There are nearly 30 4-H clubs in the county with about 300 members, ages 8 to 19, taking on small and large animal projects as well as projects in sewing and baking, shooting sports and robotics, among others.
Each club can elect a representative to join the county 4-H Youth Council whose members serve as the countywide teen leaders and 4-H representatives. You’ll get to learn about council members in this column, “Clover Corner.”
Madeline McEachin, 15, county 4-H Youth Council vice president, lives on her family’s 40-acre farm in West Sunbury with her parents Paul and Karla. She is a member of the Caprine Connection, a goat club, and is vice president of the West Sunbury Wranglers horse club.
With her brother Luke, 12, Maddie raises Nigerian Dwarfs, the smallest dairy goat breed. They have 14 head and have established a business raising and selling their goats.
She also owns four horses, but uses Henry, her Quarter Horse, as her 4-H project that she is exhibiting this week at the Big Butler Fair. Also going to the fair are five of her goats, Shammy and her kid, Skittles, and Juliet and her twins, Monty and Cappy.
Maddie was selected to be part of the Team Horse Power 4-H program, an elite statewide group with just 15 members. This leadership program is designed to train and empower teens to help them develop individual skills and in turn mentor younger 4-H’ers while teaching horsemanship skills.
Under a stringent process, Maddie had to apply and participate in an interview to be selected to the team. Each member receives an annual evaluation.
In June, she participated in a horse counselor camp in Westmoreland County. While there, she and three fellow team Horse Power members worked with advisers to develop a mounted presentation to perform at Ag Progress Days near Penn State in August.
Once a shy girl, Maddie believes the opportunity to give 4-H speeches and demonstrations boosted her confidence.
“4-H helps build your personality,” Maddie said.
Caprine Connection members gave demonstrations at their May meeting with her presentation describing the outfits, hats and boots required to compete in horse events such as Western or English riding and showmanship.
Maddie gives credit to her volunteer club leaders, of which the county has nearly 70, for helping keep 4-H fun.
“My club leaders are great, and I’ve met a lot of people and friends through 4-H that I wouldn’t otherwise have gotten to meet,” she said.
Maddie will be a sophomore at Butler High School this fall and is a member of the National Honor Society and student council. She plays the violin in the school orchestra.
For information about 4-H, contact Jean Kummer at 724-287-4761, Ext. 224.
Jean Kummer is the 4-H extension educator in the county.
