Editor's note: Oct. 7-13 is National 4-H Week. This week we celebrate by introducing you to the Duncans, a first-generation 4-H family in Warren County who are taking projects ranging from goats to cake decorating and everything in between. The final story in the series explains how Angie, the mom of four 4-H'ers, decided to put family first and become a 4-H leader. 

Growing up in the city, Angie Duncan had never heard of 4-H. It all changed when she married, moved west to a small farm in the country and became a mother of four. Today, she helps lead the largest 4-H Club in Warren County.

Angie, along with her husband Jay, live on a small 10-acre farm just northwest of Warrenton, Mo. They started raising chickens when their four daughters were younger. "We wanted to for the eggs and meat," she says.

The Duncan children were active in school and sports. "I started hearing my friends talk about 4-H and what they did in it and it sounded like a neat program," Angie says. So, four years ago, the family took the leap and joined Camp Branch 4-H Club.

Learning curve
"I was clueless the first year," Angie says. "I didn't know anything about the program or even what questions to ask."

At that time the two younger girls were in Clover Kids, and the two older girls were 4-H members. Those in 4-H had to choose projects. "There were so many options," she says. "It was a little overwhelming."

"I think the biggest thing with first-year families is there is a lot to figure out," says Carey Benne, University of Missouri Extension Warren County 4-H youth specialist. "Often, when you are not a first generation 4-H family and you have been in it a while, you forget to explain a lot of the details to 4-H, not because you mean to but because it is old hat."

But Angie was not afraid to ask the questions. She visited with Benne and her club leaders. "They walked me through every step of the way," she says. "They were always willing to listen and answer any questions I had."

Loving the lessons
After just the first year, Angie and Jay saw changes in their children. "They are a lot more confident now, especially in their public speaking ability," Angie says. The couple encourage their children to take part in the local judging and achievement day. "They complete demonstrations, participate in extemporaneous speaking and judging contests," Angie explains. "You really see kids come out of their shell when they have to stand and talk in front of a large group."

The couple was excited about the life skills 4-H fostered, such as babysitting and raising livestock. "Our kids are learning about not only things that interest them," Jay says, "but also things that are useful."

But 4-H was so much more.

"It is just a very wholesome organization," Angie says. "All the kids were nice, and the parents were supportive."

The kids participate in the Warren County Fair. The couple note that, while it is a competition between 4-H'ers, there is a comradery. "There is always someone there who is willing to share their knowledge with you and your kids," Jay says.

"Everybody works together for the common good of the kids," Angie adds.

All in
Two years ago, when the club was looking for volunteer leaders, Angie did not hesitate. Despite being an emergency room charge nurse, involved in the Daniel Boone Elementary PTO and co-leading a youth program at church, she raised her hand.

"It has been a great organization and a really important part of our family's lives," Angie says. "I think it is important for kids to see parents involved and to be in the present with them." She currently is a co-leader as it takes two to navigate such a large club.

But Benne says she does more than what others may know.

Angie is a key person in the countywide 4-H fundraisers. The trivia aspect brought in $4,000. Angie also helped solidify a hog donated by Wright City Meats, which amounted to an additional $2,000. In all, it was five times as much as previous years, Benne says.

"Now we are working on giving that money back to the kids with increased amounts of scholarships for camps," Benne says. "Showing the community we are raising money and it goes directly to the kids is important to Angie."

Establishing roots
Life in the country is becoming the norm for the Duncans. Angie says 4-H helped.

"We found a great group of kids and parents who, we feel, are pulling for our kids to succeed," she says. "It is nice to have that type of support."

As a first generation 4-H leader, Angie says families should take advantage of their local 4-H clubs. "It really is about teaching kids the four 'H's'— head, heart, hands and health." Along the way, they will make memories and lifelong friendships.

Did you miss one of the Duncan five? We have you covered. Click on the links below for more on how this first-generation 4-H family is getting the most out of the organization:

• Becoming a sharpshooter at age 8

• 4-H proves girls can weld

• 4-H'er sees life through her camera lens

• 4-H'er makes tending animals top priority