West Virginia youths in Hancock County have an opportunity for 4-H to prepare them to be beyond ready for their future, as part of National 4-H Week, held Oct. 7-12.
This event is hosted nationally each year to encourage young people to join a local club where they will meet other youths, participate in meaningful learning opportunities, serve their communities, and enjoy the host of activities offered by the nation’s largest youth development program. This year’s theme, Beyond Ready, invites incoming members to learn how 4-H builds a ready generation with skills needed for the future. West Virginia 4-H is a free youth development program of West Virginia University Extension that reaches more than 32,314 young people each year through clubs, camps, schools, and other specialized programs, like science, technology, engineering, and math education. Faculty, staff, and volunteers provide unique environments where young people can grow and learn about a host of activities and educational programs, including annual projects.
By signing up for the Hancock County 4-H program, clubs also provide youths with new experiences, important leadership skills and enhanced confidence. There are two types of 4-H clubs — community clubs and special interest clubs. Community clubs meet monthly to plan social, promotional, service, and fundraising activities for club members. Special interest clubs focus on a specific topic, like teen leadership or robotics.
Youths between the ages of 9 and 21 can join 4-H with a parent or guardian’s permission. Younger children, ages 5 to 8, who are interested in the practices of 4-H can join a pre-4-H program called Cloverbuds, which focuses more on fun and social activities that set the stage for future learning. Older members can become active in any of the seven collegiate 4-H clubs in the state.
According to Zachary White, WVU Extension 4-H youth development agent in Hancock County, 4-H is an opportunity for those in the Hancock County area to join an organization that is helping to empower youths to become true leaders within their communities.
“Our county 4-H program empowers youth by giving them the tools, skills, and confidence to take on real-world challenges,” White said. “Through hands-on learning and leadership opportunities, our members are not only prepared for the future—they are beyond ready to excel in it.”
While 4-H programs of the past have focused on agriculture and farming, today’s 4-H programs are more diverse, exposing kids to hands-on learning experiences in areas such as science, engineering, technology, citizenship, land judging, shooting sports and healthy lifestyles. Club members may also learn about higher education opportunities and even be eligible for scholarships available through WVU Extension.
For more information about 4-H opportunities in your community, contact the WVU Extension office in Hancock County at 304564380, via email at [email protected] or visit extension.wvu.edu.