Suggestive Programs for Agricultural Clubs
The programs for club meetings will depend largely on the type of project, the time to be devoted to meetings, and the originality of the leader. There should be something for everyone to do; each individual should have some share in each club meeting.
The general program might divide itself into: (1) project; (2) business, literary, and demonstration; (3) social. No one of these three divisions can be carried on exclusive of the others. The projects will have their stories, the literary programs will sometimes include project demonstrations, while the social spirit should always be present.
It would be well to combine as much of a “do” program as possible with the literary work. Demonstrations, “stunts,” and contests always add interest. Do not forget that music is always a welcome addition to a club program. The following suggestions are given merely to assist the club in arranging for the year’s work. Further suggestions may be obtained by studying the programs of projects other than yours. Meetings should be held at least once a month, perhaps oftener at certain seasons of the year. They may be held in the schoolhouse Friday afternoon, and the young pupils and others, not members of the club, may be guests. Occasional evening meetings with social features and refreshments should be held.
In the conduct of club meetings a good club leader (or teacher) will remain in the background as much as possible, permitting the officers of the club to conduct the meeting. Parents, patrons, members of the advisory committee, and outside speakers should have a place on certain programs, but it should ever be borne in mind that the club is for boys and girls, and care should be exercised that the adults do not crowd them off the programs. A club will be far more successful if it succeeds in stimulating its own members to take part in club meetings, than if it merely fills up its programs with outside speakers.
In connection with the club meetings, visits should be made to places where actual club work can be observed. The corn plat, the pig pen, and the garden should be utilized in this connection. Observation trips and “hikes” should be taken to observe ideal conditions on farms or in homes.
General Program
ORGANIZATION
(1) Roll call.
Talks on:
- Purpose of organization.
- How we are connected with other organizations.
- What others will do for us.
- What we will do for ourselves.
- What we will do for others.
- How we are going to make our club a success.
Discussions of assignments for months.
Discussion of record books.
Pig Club Programs
(1) Roll call, answered by naming breeds or breed characteristics.
Talks on:
- Origin of swine.
- Characteristics of lard hog.
- Characteristics of bacon hog.
Demonstration: Locating and naming parts of a hog from a drawing, picture, or chart
(2) Roll call, answered by names of prominent breeders.
Talks on:
- History of Duroc-Jersey.
- History of Poland China.
- History of Chester White.
- History of Berkshire.
- History of Hampshire.
(3) Roll call, answered by naming essentials for a healthy herd.
Talks on:
- Mineral matter in the ration.
- Sanitary hog houses.
- Individual hog houses vs. the colony hog house.
- Dipping hogs.
Demonstration: Making an individual hog house, using blackboard or model.
(4) Roll call, answered by naming forage crops suitable for swine.
Talks on:
- Alfalfa pasture.
- Rape.
- Other kinds of pasture.
(5) Roll call, answered by naming feeds suitable for swine.
Talks on:
- Home grown feeds.
- Feeds that must be purchased.
Demonstration: Blackboard explanation of nutritive ratio of a feed or a ration.
(6) Judging contest: Each member to place three hogs.
(Basis of award: placing, 50; reasons, 50.)