Over 100 years ago, 4-H became one of the first developed organizations for youth.

The goal of 4-H is to help youth and their families learn the skills they need to positively impact their communities. As one of the largest youth organization in the county, 4-H grows confident, capable, and caring youth with the life skills to thrive in today’s world and succeed in their dreams for tomorrow. This is done through hands-on, practical programs.

National 4-H Week is this week, October 2-8. This year’s theme is “Opportunity 4All.” They encourage everyone to explore the opportunities that are available. Be sure to continue watching the newspaper for 4-H activities that happen in your community.

Edmunds County currently has five active clubs. You can join one of them, start a new club, or become an independent member. Registration for the new year started October 1 and is done online at v2.4honline.com

Contact the Extension Office at 426-6971 for more information on becoming a 4-H member.

Youth ages 8-18, as of January 1, 2023, may join 4-H. Members learn how to conduct meetings, work with others on projects, and become leaders in their community. There is also a Cloverbud program for youth ages 5-8 that meets monthly. They learn social interaction, build self-esteem, and experiment with making choices.

There are many hands-on activities in 4-H from which members can choose. Some of these include livestock, photography, food, safety, rocketry, Shooting Sports, special foods, wood science, and public presentations. 4-Hers can attend camps and participate in judging schools. These activities allow 4-hers to meet other youth in the state and help them build their leadership skills and make friendships.

4-H is not a solo project; families work and learn together. As families get busier and their children get older it is especially important to find projects that bring the family together and participate in the child’s learning while having fun at the same time.