Pincher Creek 4-H members learn about making choices

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

22 members aged 8-17 of all the Pincher Creek area 4-H clubs gathered together on Saturday, January 4 for a judging exercise titled 'Let's Go Camping'.   Participating clubs included Timber Trails, Silver Reins, Chinook Multi, and Foothills.  They were broken into groups and moved from station to station judging the merits of items used while camping.

Jeremy Nelson at the firewood station with Jaxon Hammond and Justin Nelson

There were 4 stations: roasting sticks, firewood, lawn chairs and marshmallows.  Each station had four choices.  The kids had to list their preference of the items and give either a written and oral presentation explaining how they ranked them.

Shawn finds out how to fill out his form from Jeff Hammond

Organizers Curtis Sinnott and Jeremy Nelson chose the theme and set up the event.  "This is about learning to judge the merits of similar items," said Nelson.  He explained that at most of the stations there were no right answers, just the answers that were right for the individual.  The kids were judged on how well they communicated their choices, including legibility and neatness in the written parts of the program, and clarity and presentation in the oral presentations.

Alina was ready to explain why this was her favourite roasting stick

Alina chose her favorite campfire roasting stick based on the handle, sturdiness, and that it had an extension ability.   Christopher was interested in how comfortable a camping chair was while Kassi looked at the construction and portability.

Christopher and Kassi evaluating one chair
T. Lucas photos

One table had a clear winner.   On the table with marshmallows there was one that was bitten, one dirty, one flattened, and one fresh out of the bag.  Even though that station had a clear winner the choices for ranking  2-4 ranged widely.

Throughout life we all have to evaluate situations, products and outcomes and make our choices.  These kids are getting to learn these skills while having fun.