Celebrate National 4-H Week

This is National 4-H Week, a time set aside to educate parents about 4-H and to encourage their children to join. Nationwide the 4-H program is run in partnerships with 110 universities, including the University of Minnesota. 4-H programs are research-based and produce life-changing experiences for youth. 4-H is one of the largest youth organizations in the Unites States. A research project showed that members benefit from 4-H and do get life changing experiences. The study found that 4-H members are about four times more likely to contribute to their communities and far less likely to engage in risky behavior.

County fairs would not be the same without all those 4-H members and their projects. When you mention 4-H projects at county fairs you think of livestock exhibits, cooking, clothing, shop projects, photography and art. However, many times 4-H members have other interests and their is a category for them to called "self-determined." While you can join 4-H at any time they do "kick" off their new year this week. So, it is an ideal time to join. For more information call your local extension office and ask to talk with the 4-H program coordinator.