The Basics
Our club is comprised of children ranging in ages from 6 to 18. At this Sharon location, our members learn the responsibilities involved in owning and caring for various livestock animals such as goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, horses and dairy cows.
The Sunnyrock 4-H Club consists of Sheep, Goat, Rabbit, Poultry and Horse Clubs. This is a working barn where each member is responsible for helping out with all the animals as needed and taking care of general housekeeping chores.
This is not a club for people who think that the animals are cute and it would be fun to feed them and pet them. Be prepared to get dirty, muck out stalls, scrub water buckets, wade through mud, rain and snow and all this in 0 - 100 degree weather! Be prepared to make some great friends, laugh alot, learn about animals, and have fun!
The Sunnyrock 4-H Club consists of Sheep, Goat, Rabbit, Poultry and Horse Clubs. This is a working barn where each member is responsible for helping out with all the animals as needed and taking care of general housekeeping chores.
This is not a club for people who think that the animals are cute and it would be fun to feed them and pet them. Be prepared to get dirty, muck out stalls, scrub water buckets, wade through mud, rain and snow and all this in 0 - 100 degree weather! Be prepared to make some great friends, laugh alot, learn about animals, and have fun!
History
Our 4-H leasing program began in 1985 as the "Big M Rabbit Club" under the leadership of Joe Major and Maria Cataldo. The early club, located at the Sunny Rock Farm in Walpole, boasted members not only from Walpole but also many surrounding towns. Members met each week to learn rabbit care and have some fun.
In the Spring of 1989, the club expanded in both membership and livestock as well as diversity and spirit. At this point, the animal projects included dairy, sheep, goats, poultry and rabbits.
In May of 2000, due to the generosity of the Ward family, the club was able to move to its present location in Sharon. Through the dedication and hard work of its membership, we look forward to revitalizing our original commitment to providing a healthy and fun environment for all of our children, volunteers and of course, our animals.
In the Spring of 1989, the club expanded in both membership and livestock as well as diversity and spirit. At this point, the animal projects included dairy, sheep, goats, poultry and rabbits.
In May of 2000, due to the generosity of the Ward family, the club was able to move to its present location in Sharon. Through the dedication and hard work of its membership, we look forward to revitalizing our original commitment to providing a healthy and fun environment for all of our children, volunteers and of course, our animals.
Visual Presentations
Every March members can participate in visual presentations. This is a wonderful way for 4-H members to practice their public speaking skills.With both Visuals and Records members can receive awards, and county medals. Members are presented their awards at the annual 4-H banquet held each December.
Records
Each November 4-H members submit records. Records are a way of keeping track of community service, leadership skills and activities done through the participation in 4-H as well as other programs. The process of record keeping teaches members valuable skills in goal setting, planning, organization and critical thinking . Along with this, members also submit a project record , projects can be an animal project, leadership project , community service project or any combination of the three. Members can submit up to 5 projects per year.
Fairs and Shows
Each club has various activities within their club which are determined by their club leader, these might include field trips, community service activities, mock shows,showmanship clinics etc.There are also whole barn activities such as fairs, 4-H open houses, barn clean up day etc. Each September is our fair season, we attend the Cracker Barrel fair in Wrentham, Adams Farm fair in Walpole and possibly others. These are educational fairs where we bring our animals and posters we have made to show the public what we do as a 4-H club. It is expected that members commit themselves to at least two events per year. Sunny Rock is a non-profit organization and all of our funding comes from member dues and fundraising events, therefore it is important to have involvement from all members.
Camps and Other Activities
There are also activities put on by Mass State 4-H. You can find information about these through the Mass 4-H website or your leader. These may include the annual photography contest, goat camp, sheep camp, summer camp or various showmanship clinics.
