Summer is in full swing, and with it comes one of my favorite times of the year—county fair season. For many 4-H members, months of planning, learning, and hard work culminate in the opportunity to exhibit their projects at the fair. One of the most exciting moments is watching youth receive ribbons and awards recognizing their accomplishments.
While ribbons and trophies are exciting, they are not the true purpose of 4-H.
The real value of a 4-H project isn't measured by the color of a ribbon or the size of a trophy. It's measured by the confidence gained, the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the life skills developed along the way.
Many years ago, I came across the following story that beautifully captures the true purpose of the 4-H program.
The Important Things Aren't the Ribbons
Author Unknown
There once was a boy who won ribbons, mostly blue,
He came home from the fair with a big trophy too.
With a voice glad and proud, he said to his dad,
"This is the best year that I've ever had!"
Said his very wise dad, "Son, I'd like to hear,
Why you think this was such a wonderful year."
"Why, Dad, you well know all the prizes I've won—
How I came out on top in most things I've done!
Just look at the ribbons that hang on my wall,
And think of the money I've made since last fall.
With premium checks and a big auction price,
You can't help but think cash and ribbons are nice."
But the man said, "My son, you're not thinking right.
Blue ribbons, 'tis true, are better than white.
But ribbons will fade, and trophies grow old—
Money's soon spent, and fame soon grows cold.
The important things, son, are not ribbons or pins,
And sometimes it's really the loser that wins.
Now here are the things most important, it's true,
That your 4-H experience has accomplished for you.
You've seen how a business meeting is run.
This knowledge will help you in years to come.
You've conquered the fear of addressing a crowd.
You've learned to stand tall and speak strong and loud.
You've learned patience through your projects too,
And developed a skill that will always help you.
You've felt the good feeling that comes when you lend
A glad helping hand to a stranger or friend.
You've learned to cooperate with majority rule—
To give in with grace, and not be the fool
Who must always have his very own way,
Be it in club work, at school, or at play.
You've learned how to lose without making a fuss.
You know the judge judges as fairly as he must.
You've learned how to win without boasting too loud—
A kid can lose friends if he's overly proud.
These are the things most important to you.
You'll remember and use them your whole life through.
They'll help you become a mighty fine adult.
They'll do more for you than a prize ever could.
This story resonates with me because it reminds us that 4-H is about so much more than competition.
Every project teaches valuable life skills. Whether a young person is exhibiting livestock, photography, woodworking, foods, sewing, robotics, or a science project, they are learning responsibility, time management, decision-making, perseverance, communication, and leadership.
Research consistently shows that participation in positive youth development programs like 4-H helps young people build confidence, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, strengthen communication abilities, and become engaged leaders in their schools and communities.
In today's world, it's easy to place too much emphasis on winning. Yet the greatest reward isn't earning a purple ribbon—it's becoming a capable, compassionate, and resilient young person. The ribbon may eventually fade, but the character, confidence, and skills developed through the 4-H experience last a lifetime.
As you visit your local county fair this summer, I encourage you to look beyond the ribbons. Take a moment to appreciate the dedication behind each exhibit, the perseverance behind every completed project, and the countless hours of learning that brought it to life. Every display represents much more than a finished project—it represents a young person growing into their potential.
After all, the greatest accomplishment of 4-H isn't what hangs on the wall after the fair. It's the character, confidence, and life skills that young people carry with them long after the ribbons are put away.
