OSU Extension Service
Phone: 503-655-8635
Email: janaleen.williams@oregonstate.edu
Q. What are the FCS components?
A. The FCS program includes valuable and engaging life skills projects! We will touch on all the project areas in the FCS program but focus most of the time on 4-H Cooking and Sewing.
Q. What is one highlight of participating in FCS projects?
A. Youth have the opportunity to learn or improve their cooking and baking or sewing skills as they work on advancing through the levels in the project. They can easily complete an item each meeting (baking=cookies, sewing=scrunchie) that can be replicated at home and lead to lifelong skills.
Q. What is one challenge you encounter with FCS projects?
A. It is not uncommon for youth to surpass their leaders in skill levels. Counties should find a way to have advanced classes and instructors (volunteer or staff) to support the youth progression.
Q. How did you start getting involved with FCS programs?
A. From a very age I enjoyed learning and practicing cooking and sewing. As an adult I noticed that some of my children’s friends families did not cook much or know basic sewing skills (like hemming pants or attaching a button) I wanted to show others how enjoyable it is making small sewn items and baking yummy treats. I found that 4-H offers great resources and through fair entry, they have the opportunity to showcase the skills they’ve learned and be acknowledged fr their mastery of the project.
Q. Are there any tips you have for FCS projects? If so, where can we find more information?
A. Oregon State 4-H website has a good number of resources to help volunteers teach and youth learn basic skills in many of the FCS projects. There are many online tutorials and Pinterest posts that can help stimulate great ideas to make or try using skills from the 4-H program.
Q. Are there any upcoming lessons or workshops focused around cooking?
A. Statewide, my 4-H colleagues and I are offering online opportunities for skills development/certification in babysitting. I am planning online 4-H workshops that teach basic hand sewing to create small items. Most county 4-H offices hold educational events, throughout the year, that often include project exploration and skills development from the FCS program.
B. If you are interested in more FCS 4-H workshops, please email me and we can see what we can set up! You can also fill out the survey at https://forms.gle/m4z78ePFEPs6nMks9
