Hearts of gold

Despite snow and frigid temperatures, the first annual "Heart of Gold" livestock show was held March 30 at the Crook County Fairgrounds in Sundance.

Participants from Sundance Elementary learned about showing and the care of a variety of animals. These students were taught basic livestock care and show skills by members of Crook County 4-H and Bearlodge-Sundance FFA.

The idea for the livestock show came from the National Association of Extension Youth Development Professionals annual conference attended by 4-H Educator, Sara Fleenor. It was a great way to introduce younger elementary kids to the livestock program and show them opportunities that are available through 4-H and FFA.

Partnering with Mrs. Olson's classroom, elementary students were able to work with older mentors from the 4-H and FFA programs. Leadership is a core foundation for these youth development programs and students were able to teach the younger kids how to act around animals, how to brush them and get them show ready and, finally, help them to show the animal.

Horse, cattle, sheep, goat, chicken and dog projects were highlighted during the event.

Studies have shown many benefits that come from youth spending time with livestock. An article published by the University of Minnesota Extension highlights some of these benefits.

For example, training and working with livestock can help youth gain the lifelong skill of patience and compassion. Youth learn how to nonverbally communicate with animals and demonstrate respect for livestock by providing them with the best care possible. Students learn how to actively make decisions that will not only benefit themselves, but also the livestock at hand.

The "Heart of Gold" show greatly impacted students by helping them gain skills that they will carry with them far beyond school. Other traits taught through showing livestock are responsibility, competition, financial knowledge, leadership and relationships.

Sundance Elementary teacher Angela Olson said, "It was absolutely amazing to see the bond formed between the helpers, students, and animals. I was so excited to be able to be a part of this first ever occasion. As a teacher of many things, it's always amazing to have opportunities for students to do things they don't always have right at their fingertips."

Cross-age peer mentoring is a technique that pairs high school age students with elementary students, and is proven to work well for the students on both ends of the age spectrum. According to a 2019 article by Heather Myers for "Teaching Strategies", studies have found positive outcomes for both sets of students.

For the mentees, they gain a connection to the school and peers, improved behavior and attitude and improve feelings of competency and accomplishment, as well as a positive outcome on grades and academic achievement. For the mentors, benefits of this technique include improvement in self-esteem, empathy, intrapersonal communication and conflict resolution.

Nine elementary students participated in the inaugural event, with 28 4-H and FFA member partners helping. Several 4-H volunteers and Bearlodge-Sundance FFA Alumni members also assisted with providing animals and set-up.

Sundance Realty and Dirt Road Radio sponsored t-shirts, while Crook County 4-H sponsored medals for the participants.

This event is planned to continue next fall with increased participation from other county schools, as well as incorporating the life skills curriculum from Sundance High School. If you are interested in participating, or learning more about Crook County 4-H, please call 307-283-1192 or stop by the University of Wyoming Extension Office at 309 E Cleveland St., Sundance.