Area 4-Hers to celebrate National 4-H Week Oct. 7-13

Next week, Oct. 7-13, is National 4-H Week. One may think of 4-H as green clovers and county fairs. These are important parts of the 4-H program, but there's much more. As one of the largest youth programs in the United States, 4-H provides many activities in which youth can grow and learn.

As it always has been, 4-H is an organization where kids "learn by doing." There are nearly 40 project areas from which they may choose, ranging from aerospace to photography to woodworking and animal projects. Opportunities to participate in events on a county, area, state and national level are plentiful. While the knowledge and skills learned about a particular subject are important, the real benefit of 4-H is in the life skills learned.

Those life skills are a positive self-concept, an inquiring mind, a concern for the community, healthy interpersonal relationships, and sound decision making. These life skills represent the qualities that help young people to become confident, capable, caring, and responsible adults.

4-H helps kids meet some basic needs which are essential to helping them grow and mature. All youth need to feel a connection to others in a positive group. 4-H gives youth many opportunities to connect with others.

By exploring 4-H projects and activities youth learn to master skills. Creating opportunities for youth to develop skills and confidence for leadership is a cornerstone of 4-H. By exploring 4-H community service activities, youth can connect with their communities and learn to give back to others.

That's what 4-H and it's many adult volunteer leaders have to offer to youth. Research shows that youth whose needs are met in positive ways are likely to grow into good citizens and contributing members of their families and communities.

More than 60 million young people across America have been 4-H members since the 4-H youth development program began in 1902. Famous alumni include Al Gore, Faith Hill, Reba McIntyre, Roy Rogers, Dolly Parton, and David Letterman. Also, 14 governors, 33 university presidents and chancellors, 31 CEOs and four astronauts are 4-H alumni.

Membership in 4-H is open to all youth between the ages of 7 and 18 years of age. Since the 4-H year starts in October, now is a great time to get involved. 4-H has no membership fees. The only costs are those associated with project materials and activities in which members choose to participate. Youth do need to enroll in 4-H before January 1 to be eligible to take part in the following year's county fair 4-H division.

In Bourbon County there are 6 4-H community clubs--two meet in Fort Scott and one each at Hiattville, Uniontown, Hammond, and the Bethel community building. Prospective members and their parents are always welcome to visit a club meeting. Contact the Extension office on first floor of the courthouse, or call (620) 223-3720 for information on club meeting times and dates.