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Kids On The Move - Claire McKittrick
08/22/2010 - By Tobi D. Tesoriero
4-H AMBASSADOR
The 4-H Club is thriving and making a positive impact on our community through the efforts of young dedicated leaders like Colts Neck resident Clair McKittrick. Clair is the Monmouth County 4-H ambassador.
Clair explained that the 4-H ambassador program is part of the organization’s youth development program. It offers the ambassador the opportunity to develop leadership skills along with giving them public speaking opportunities. Clair represents the club at numerous events.
As most people know, the 4-H Club is an American institution, seen at county fairs throughout the country. The 4 H’s represent Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. These four values are the core of the organization and serve as the focus of the groups program.
When asked how she became involved in 4-H, Clair recalls it was through her brother. She had attended meetings with him when she was just a toddler. Then, when she was just five years old (the earliest age a child can participate), Clair started her own involvement. So, at age 16 she has been a 4-H member for over 11 years now!
Official membership begins when a child reaches age nine but prior to that they can participate in the “Cloverbud” program. Clair also explained that when you get into the older brackets, such as students in grades eight to 12, there are different activities and programs as well as competitions. For instance, members have the opportunity to make presentations on areas of interest to them. They first do it at the club level, then county, then, if chosen, they go on to the state level.
Participants choose their project area and have to keep detailed records on their subject. They can choose to focus on livestock (sheep, cows, goats, pigs, etc.) or equine or small animal or dairy or just regular member activity (such as performing arts through to rocketry). The goal is for the member to chart expenses and the care in their chosen project area. For instance, if someone chose equine they would look at what the feeding costs would be. They would look at how many times you feed the animal; look at how much it costs in dollars. This program offers hands-on experience. However, most participants have their own animals.
Members also write their own 4-H story where they look back on the year. They share thoughts on the various events and programs they participated in.
Clair estimates that there are approximately 5,000 children involved in the 4-H Club of Monmouth County. That would include afterschool and outreach programs as well as club members.
Her interest in things agricultural is further honed in school. Clair is a student at the Animal and Botanical Sciences Academy located at Freehold Township High School. According to its website the “program consists of courses designed to provide academic experiences and training that will prepare students for employment and post-secondary study.” It continues, “Students are introduced to the fields of biological science, animal science, plant science, food science, biotechnology, floriculture, greenhouse management, and landscape design.”
Clair said the program at the Academy also requires membership in the FFA (Future Farmers of America). She said they also go on field trips, attend conventions and participate in career development activities. She also participates in the programs' competitions. She said competitions were in many areas, from floral to lawns to dairy.
One might say Clair has to the manor been born, as when asked how her interest in agriculture started she shared that she was born on a farm and has lived there her whole life. And her dad is actually on the State Board of agriculture!
Finally, when asked what her future aspirations were, Clair said she hopes to be a doctor. She rides with the Tinton Falls First Aid Squad and is an EMTB. Additionally, she volunteers at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
As if those activities were not enough to keep Clair busy she is also on the swim team of both her high school and the Western Monmouth YMCA Summer Swim Team and works on her family’s farm doing potting and cutting.
STATS
FAVORITE RESTAURANT
Red Bank Diner
FAVORITE MUSICIANS
Rap to country to everything else
FAVORITE MOVIE
I don’t have one (I always fall asleep at the movies!)
PET PEEVE
When people complain about being bored
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH
My brother Curtis, Governor Christie, John Hargraves
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