Celebrate National 4-H Week

October 2-8 marks National 4-H Week for over 6 million youth across the country. 4-H was born when AB Graham started a youth program in Clark County, Ohio in 1902 with the first club being called “The Tomato Club” or the “Corn Growing Club”. That same year, TA Erickson of Douglas County, Minnesota started local agricultural after-school clubs and fairs. The clover pin was developed in 1910 and by 1912, these youth programs designed to teach practical and hands-on learning were called 4-H Clubs. The birth of the Cooperative Extension Act at USDA in 1914 nationalized the program, which today is administered by more than 100 land-grant universities and 3,000 county offices.

Personally, both my husband and I spent a great deal of time with the program growing up. My husband was active in showing livestock (cattle and chickens), crops and vegetables. I focused on general projects (sewing, foods, visual arts, flower arranging) …my sister and I being deemed good marriage material in front of a crowd at an awards ceremony by the local elevator manager serving as the emcee due to our proficiency in these areas.

While to the general public likely still views 4-H as a ”farm kid” program, things have changed. Of those 6 million youth involved, 1.8 million are in urban areas and another 1.6 million are suburban youth. While my son participates in the same programs that his parents did…cattle, woodworking, cooking and vegetable gardening…he is also doing projects that are deep into STEM curriculum. This past year, he participated in the computer science and robotics curriculum and will be participating with a neighboring county’s state robotics team for the upcoming year. These are opportunities he would never encounter given our rural location if not for 4-H and they have sparked his interest in science and technology. Other members of our county program completed projects in welding, theater arts, geology, environmental science and natural resources, public speaking and leadership. There truly is something for everyone and members are learning skills today will help them tomorrow, whether it be through general life skills or preparing them for a career. These kids also make friends and connections that can last a lifetime.

So, no tax news today…but join your local Extension or club in the celebration this week. Volunteer, encourage new members to join the program, or just take a look at the exhibits at your next local 4-H Fair. These kids work hard on their projects and programs throughout the year…as they live the 4-H motto “To Make the Best Better”.