4-H Judging Teams

By: Sheldon D. Barker

While riding a pontoon boat on Reelfoot Lake one can’t help but be awed by the plants and animals adapted to live in such a unique place. For those of us who had never been to Reelfoot Lake, and for those who had, there could be no better way of seeing or learning about the lake. The Sequatchie County Senior High 4-H Wildlife Team had just such an opportunity three years ago. Learning about the wetland environment, and the plants and animals that live there was just part of the trip. The other was the opportunity to represent Tennessee at the National 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest. Since then the team has traveled to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, and to Natchez Trace State Park, learning firsthand about the wildlife of Tennessee.

One of the many great opportunities 4-H offers is Judging Teams. My best memories as an agent and as a 4-H member are Judging Team trips. Over the last few years Sequatchie County has had four state winning Judging Teams (that we can find records for), two state winning Forestry Teams in 1970 and 2011. The 2011 Forestry Team placed third at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational in 2012. The Sequatchie County 4-H Land Judging Team which, although runner-up at the state contest, competed at the National Contest in Oklahoma in 1975. In the Family and Consumer Sciences area, there was a 1989 Diary Products state winning team, and a 1995 Interior Design winning team. Add to this a long list of regional winning teams. Sequatchie County has a great history of competitive judging teams.

Judging teams are a great way to learn about a subject area, as well as develop skills such as teamwork, leadership, goal setting, and decision-making. Currently, Sequatchie County has four active judging teams Wildlife, Forestry, Consumer Decision Making and Life Skills.

Life Skills

Being a part of the Life Skills Judging team allows junior high youth (6,7,8 grades) to participate in a fun and competitive way while learning valuable life lessons. Youth have the opportunity to become sales clerks counting back correct change, baby sitters choosing appropriate toys and games, a fitness coach selecting the appropriate exercise routine or a myriad of other scenarios that prepare them hands-on for life. Each team will compete in four various stations that have a Family and Consumer Sciences emphasis.

Consumer Decision Making

Do you love to shop? Consumer Decision Making is just the team for you! Youth in grades 9 -12 learn how to evaluate different products by value, purpose and quality. Teams then compete to make the best purchasing decisions based on this knowledge. Students may “shop” for sunglasses, jeans, ipads, backpacks and so forth. Consumer Decision Making trains young people to develop a critical eye for quality, a keen sense of value and excellent decision making skills while enjoying the thrill of competition. Judging team members when comparing alternative items for purchase. Team members are also challenged to represent themselves well through oral reasons.

Wildlife Judging

What do black bears need to survive? Or wild turkey? Could you identify a song sparrow by its song? Wildlife judging is an opportunity to learn about wildlife: how to identify various species, what they eat, what are their habitat needs. Participants have to identify wildlife species, evaluate habitat, and complete a test. Wildlife Judging is open to all 4-H members.

Forestry Judging

Is it an oak or a maple? What bug is this eating on my tree? 4-H Members in Forestry Judging learn to identify trees, insects and diseases that affect trees, how to measure a tree, and how to make forest management decisions. Forestry Judging is open for 4-H Members in 4th to 11th grades.

Photo: Members of the 2011 Senior 4-H Forestry Team preparing for National Contest