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ENLARGE
TERESA MIDDLETON
I don't know about most people, but when I'm compiling a report, presenting a class or writing an article, I like to do extra research on the topic that I will be covering.
Usually I will run across some interesting item or trivia which, even if not included in what I'm doing, gives me a little more insight into my topic. I know that 4-H has been around for more than 100 years and that in its early inception was a practical and hands-on way to help children in rural public schools to stay connected and focused mainly on agriculture.
As the country expanded, so did 4-H. Sewing, cooking, food preservation was, and still is a large area of 4-H. One of the facts that I found intriguing was that 4-H isn't afraid to evolve and try new things.
As I was finding out about the diversity of subject matter that 4-H has developed over the years, I stumbled upon an early 1970s nutrition program called Mulligan Stew. Now I hate to date myself, but I went to school during the '70s, and I vaguely remember it. Check it out on YouTube.com. Even if you don't remember the show, you will get a kick out of the hairstyles and '70s lingo. It was an educational program produced by Michigan State University Extension. Its six episodes were shown on television (PBS) and in schools as a learning tool for the 4-4-3-2 nutrition formula that was being taught at the time (four servings of fruits and vegetables, four servings of bread and cereals, three servings of milk and cheese, two servings of meat, chicken or fish). It had all the pizzazz of a great kids show, singing with a teen band, puppets and skits. This one series was given credit for 4-H membership reaching to an all-time high in 1974.
You may be wondering why I'm bringing up a kid's TV show that aired more than 25 years ago? Maybe I'm being nostalgic for my childhood? Possible, but what I found intriguing is that 4-H is in the business of educating children and I know we do a really good job at that. Trying new and innovative programs based on scientifically backed research and delivering that to the community is something that is an ongoing endeavor for 4-H. New curricula are being developed all the time to meet the needs of our changing society. Who would have thought 100 years ago, when 4-H had its start, that today we would be involved in projects such as robotics, geocaching and videography?
I said all that to get to this: We are here to enrich education. That's our job. The 4-H learn-by-doing approach is a time-tested, proven way to educate. Even though that's always been our motto, we adjust and grow with society to provide current and relevant information for our community. Mulligan Stew is just one, and entertaining way, to show that 4-H is current, our program is educational and, most important, fun!
Teresa Middleton is the 4-H Education Program assistant at OSU Extension Service of Douglas County. Teresa can be reached by e-mail teresa.middleton@oregonstate.edu or phone at 541-672-4461.
Usually I will run across some interesting item or trivia which, even if not included in what I'm doing, gives me a little more insight into my topic. I know that 4-H has been around for more than 100 years and that in its early inception was a practical and hands-on way to help children in rural public schools to stay connected and focused mainly on agriculture.
As the country expanded, so did 4-H. Sewing, cooking, food preservation was, and still is a large area of 4-H. One of the facts that I found intriguing was that 4-H isn't afraid to evolve and try new things.
As I was finding out about the diversity of subject matter that 4-H has developed over the years, I stumbled upon an early 1970s nutrition program called Mulligan Stew. Now I hate to date myself, but I went to school during the '70s, and I vaguely remember it. Check it out on YouTube.com. Even if you don't remember the show, you will get a kick out of the hairstyles and '70s lingo. It was an educational program produced by Michigan State University Extension. Its six episodes were shown on television (PBS) and in schools as a learning tool for the 4-4-3-2 nutrition formula that was being taught at the time (four servings of fruits and vegetables, four servings of bread and cereals, three servings of milk and cheese, two servings of meat, chicken or fish). It had all the pizzazz of a great kids show, singing with a teen band, puppets and skits. This one series was given credit for 4-H membership reaching to an all-time high in 1974.
You may be wondering why I'm bringing up a kid's TV show that aired more than 25 years ago? Maybe I'm being nostalgic for my childhood? Possible, but what I found intriguing is that 4-H is in the business of educating children and I know we do a really good job at that. Trying new and innovative programs based on scientifically backed research and delivering that to the community is something that is an ongoing endeavor for 4-H. New curricula are being developed all the time to meet the needs of our changing society. Who would have thought 100 years ago, when 4-H had its start, that today we would be involved in projects such as robotics, geocaching and videography?
I said all that to get to this: We are here to enrich education. That's our job. The 4-H learn-by-doing approach is a time-tested, proven way to educate. Even though that's always been our motto, we adjust and grow with society to provide current and relevant information for our community. Mulligan Stew is just one, and entertaining way, to show that 4-H is current, our program is educational and, most important, fun!
Teresa Middleton is the 4-H Education Program assistant at OSU Extension Service of Douglas County. Teresa can be reached by e-mail teresa.middleton@oregonstate.edu or phone at 541-672-4461.
