4-H Learning by Doing - The Fifth Decade – 1943-1952
A complete reorganization of 4-H Club work in the county was undertaken because of the war situation. The idea was to carry on club work as possible during the war while building for expansion during peacetime, the emphasis was on leadership training. The County Club Council was divided into four groups on a geographical basis. Club enrollment decreased (134 boys, 218 girls) but completion increased to 71% as compared to 61% the previous year. There was a 25% turnover among the leaders. Community projects were outstanding, and work was done with Red Cross and the County Tuberculosis Association. 1944 The reorganization of 4-H Club work was continued in order to localize club work, 4 Regional Leaders’ 4-H Councils held regular meetings for administration of club work and training of leaders. A higher percentage of attendance resulted because of the proximity of nearby meeting places in each region. Also, the addition of recreational activity as part of the meeting created a social atmosphere. Meetings on an adult level were conducted in the same manner in which 4-H Club members’ meetings should have been conducted, thus training the leaders to guide such meetings. An Executive Committee functioned with each Regional Council represented to plan countywide functions. The 4-H encampment was a success because, in spite of wartime conditions, there was more than one leader for every ten club members attending. 1945 1946 1947 no report 1948 Bob Brown 1949 Areas held field days and 4-H Fairs. Three camp sessions attended by 499. Thirty-eight attended the Davis Convention. The Merced County Achievement Night was held at the Merced fairgrounds. There were 55 clubs, 862 club members, 42 girls were enrolled in agriculture projects. Frieda Smith is Home Advisor. 1950 4-H Council approved to incorporate the National Awards Program into the county 4-H Program and resume the All-Star Program. Doris Valbrecht and Margaret Rich were selected as All-Stars and represented Merced County at the State All Star Conference at Berkeley. 1951 Joy Eddy 1952 Approved ranking system be adopted in Merced County to clarify the various ranks through which members may pass. All Stars were chosen from silver rank. Dorothy Hoffman represented Merced County at the Dress Revue at Davis. The idea of having a 4-H Sponsoring Committee was discussed. On April 24, 1952 the Article of Incorporation for Merced County 4-H Leaders Council was approved. First directors were: Tim and Alma Doris O’Connor, Turlock; Ruth Erickson, Turlock; Helen Wolfsen, Dos Palos; Ray Hume, Dos Palos; LeRoy Harris, Merced; Joe Sanders, Winton; and Joe Rollston, Merced.
Merced County 4-H Program - from narrative reports
1943