Introduction

This Leader's Guide was written for you as a leader of 4-H members who are involved in entomology activities. Local leaders like you have done an excellent job encouraging 4-H'ers to learn about insects. The entomology project offers an opportunity to study this important and fascinating group in the animal kingdom. The great variety of insects and different kinds of life habits they possess afford endless opportunities for exploration.

Collecting, preserving, mounting and assembling insects in collection boxes are activities that appeal to children and adults. As a leader in entomology, you can assist club members in making and displaying collections and mounts of insects showing life stages and damage they cause. You can help with demonstrations, illustrated talks and research projects. An entomology project not only develops entomologists, but helps develop citizens with a greater appreciation for insects and their importance to people. (For information on careers in entomology, contact the State 4-H Entomologist, S-225 Agricultural Science Center North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091.)

You are a key person in your local 4-H club. The success or failure of your entomology program depends on your interest and initiative, but the whole load should not rest on your shoulders. Your job is to help your club members plan and carry out a program based on their needs, interests and abilities. This manual can help you be a better entomology leader.

There are many sources of help for your entomology program. Your local Extension agent can provide literature, training aids and other assistance as needed. Many friends of 4-H in commercial concerns and other organizations work in entomology through Extension agents. There might be trained entomologists in your community. Libraries, magazines, newspapers, radio and television are also sources of information. However, your greatest asset is your own ingenuity. You are not expected to know it all. Help is available if you seek it. As a local leader, you will be able to do these things for 4-H members:

1. Help members and parents select the appropriate study area within entomology.

2. See that meetings are carried out. Arrange for group meetings and notify members in advance.

3. Assist individual members with their demonstrations.

4. Involve older members as junior and teen leaders.

5. Help members keep necessary records.

6. Assist members with their records of achievement, and help them analyze their records to see what awards programs they should enter.

7. Visit members to advise and encourage them in their work and recognize their accomplishments.

8. Encourage members' parents to become interested and involved and support the 4-H member.

9. Coordinate entomology group activities with the organization leader and other subject-matter leaders. The organization leader and each subject-matter leader is responsible for a part of the 4-H program, and each should supplement the other's work.

10. Help 4-H members develop demonstrations in subject matter to present at 4-H meetings, school assemblies, civic clubs, television programs and other community affairs.

11. Submit information to county Extension agents about meeting plans, number in attendance and needed training so the entire county entomology program can be coordinated.

12. Attend subject-matter leader training meetings.