There’s something special happening out at the barns at the National Home—and if you listen closely, you might hear it in the rustle of hay, the soft thump of rabbit feet, or the unmistakable oink of a pig heading out for a walk. It’s 4-H season, and for our kids, that means growth, responsibility, and a whole lot of heart.
This year, excitement is especially high. The Activities and Recreational Specialist for the National Home, Nancy Bowers, shared “We have 3 kids showing hogs this year and 6 kids showing rabbits. Four of the kids are returning members of 4-H and we have five new members.” That mix of familiar faces and fresh starts is part of what makes this program so powerful—it welcomes kids wherever they are and helps them grow into who they’re meant to be.
And yes, the animals already have personalities as big as their names. Nancy laughed, “All the kids have picked out their animals and have been trying to decide what to name them. So far we have a Hamelia Earhart and a Gordon Hamsey.” If that doesn’t tell you how invested these kids are, nothing will.
But 4-H is about so much more than clever names and county fairs.
From the very beginning, the kids are hands-on—feeding, cleaning, learning routines, and showing up every single day. As Nancy put it, “Chores have started and the kids are learning about their rabbits and as soon as the weather gets nicer we will start walking the pigs outside.” Even before the animals hit the show ring, the lessons are already taking root.
Those lessons are exactly what families notice most.
Troy, a veteran and father of two 4-H participants, described the impact in a way that really sticks:“4-H has made a meaningful impact on our family, especially during this first year of involvement. With two of our children participating, it has given them something that is truly their own—kind of responsibility, purpose, and pride in what they’re building.”
For his son, raising pigs has become a daily commitment. “He’s learning daily discipline, time management, and the importance of consistency. He’s seeing firsthand that animals rely on him, and that responsibility has helped him grow in maturity and confidence.”
And for his daughter, the experience has been just as transformative in a different way. “With her rabbit, she’s been developing a strong sense of care and patience. For her, it’s been about building trust, learning gentleness, and gaining confidence in handling and caring for something independently.”
That’s the magic of 4-H—it meets each child where they are and helps them grow in ways that go far beyond the barn.
It builds accountability.
It teaches work ethic.
It nurtures compassion.
It strengthens perseverance.
And maybe most importantly, it brings families together.
Troy said it best: “As a family, 4-H has brought us closer together. It’s given us shared goals, something to work toward, and a positive outlet that builds character. It’s not just about the animals—it’s about the life skills being developed.”
Even the quieter moments—like raking at the fairgrounds during spring break—become opportunities for teamwork and pride. These kids aren’t just preparing for a fair; they’re learning what it means to contribute, to care for something bigger than themselves, and to take ownership of their work.
And the growth? It’s already visible.
“Being our first year, we’ve already seen growth in both kids that goes beyond what we expected,” Troy shared. “4-H has given them structure, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment that carries into other parts of their lives and our home.”
That’s the kind of impact that lasts.
As this year’s 4-H journey continues—with pigs heading outside, rabbits being groomed, and kids proudly preparing for show day—we’re reminded that this program is doing something truly meaningful. It’s shaping confident, capable, compassionate young people who carry these lessons with them for life.
And none of it would be possible without the generosity of those who believe in this mission.
To our 4-H donors in Ohio and all of our supporters—thank you. Your commitment allows this program not only to continue, but to grow. Because of you, more kids get the chance to discover their strengths, build their confidence, and find pride in something that is truly their own.
