THE VALUE OF 4-H COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES AS PERCEIVED BY THE PARENTS OF 4-H MEMBERS

Abstract

The major-purpose of the study was to examine perceptions of 4-H parents in Districts II and IV in the Texas 4-Hprogram relative to the educational value of competition in the 4-H program. Two-hundred-fifty parents whose children were currently or formerly enrolled in the 4-H program were sampled from the population. The parents in the study had a very positive attitude toward competition in 4-H, regardless of demographic background. The major reasons the parents had their children participate in 4-H competitive events were because they perceived it enhanced their child’s personal skill development and self esteem. The major concerns the parents had about 4-H competitive activities centered on excessive parental involvement and unethical practices. 4-H parents in the districts varied in their attitude toward competition, primarily because of three factors: (I) senior volunteer leaders tended to be more positive toward competition than junior leaders, (2) individuals who participated in 4-H camp tended to be more positive toward competition, and (3) those former 4-H members who enrolled in 4-H at a later age tended to be more positive toward competition.