Organizing a 4-H Forestry Program

The “Let’s Make Plans” activity gives a great outline of the preparation needed for having your 4-H Forestry club meetings. Once you’ve done that activity you are ready to plan an entire year of activities for your group. On page 34 of the Forestry Helpers Guide are many good suggestions for meeting topics.

Another great resource is on the “Forests of Fun” website under “Help For Your Club”. Go there then choose “Forestry Meeting Topics” and “Field Trip Ideas” ” from the pull-down menu. These lists give any leader ample ideas to plan a whole year’s activities for any group interested in forestry. Then look under “Planning Club Activities” and get the planning calendar form available there. An example calendar is there to help you plan your group’s year. You could make the decisions and planning a club activity so all the members are “on board” for the whole year.

The links below are other resources for organizing and planning your forestry club activities during the year. A good idea is to plan an Awards program or other recognition near the end of the year. Local forestry organizations would likely be pleased to help sponsor a meal and awards if they were asked. Have fun with your local forests and build youth capital in the process!

Web Links:

4-H Forestry Field Day Insects and Diseases

4-H Forest Ecology Contest

Illinois 4-H Forestry Judging Contest Website