Did you know that 4-H is the largest youth development program in the nation? It is! The 4-H program consists of a network of around 6 million youth and is led by 540,000 adult volunteers and 3,500 professionals. Started in 1902, 4-H is rich in its history and has more than 60 million alumni of the program. The 4-H program makes such an impact to youth that many of them choose to come back to the program as an adult volunteer so they can also create a positive and welcoming learning environment for the next generation.
You may find yourself asking, what is 4-H exactly and how can it benefit my child? “4-H prepares young people to be leaders in their community and around the world through hands-on experiences alongside their peers and caring adults” (https://extension.purdue.edu/4h/Pages/default.aspx). These hands-on experiences come in a variety of formats. It could be our community clubs, afterschool programs, SPARK clubs, school enrichment, camps, workshops and more! All program areas focus on the three mission areas of 4-H: Science, Healthy Living, and Civic Engagement. The 4-H program uses these hands-on experiences to teach youth life skills that they will need now and in the future.
While many people immediately think of the fair when they hear 4-H, that is just the tip of iceberg. The fair is a celebration of what our youth have learned in the 4-H program throughout the past year. It highlights their creativity, hard work, dedication, responsibility and more. These are just some of the life skills that the 4-H program teaches and celebrates.
When asked why youth should join 4-H, some of our current members remarked with “it helps you learn and grow in specific skills and as a person, while meeting new people, trying new things, and helping to make the world/community a better place.” Another current 4-H member said “youth should join 4-H because it allows them to learn to be responsible and a good leader at a young age.”
As you can see, the 4-H program has a lot to offer youth in the community. 4-H enrollment is still open for those youth that would like to join. If you have questions and want to learn more about what the 4-H program has to offer, please contact Abby Morgan at the Extension office at (765)364-6363 or e-mail asweet@purdue.edu. To enroll in Montgomery County 4-H, visit https://v2.4honline.com or visit the Montgomery County Extension office at 400 Parke Avenue, Crawfordsville. The program fee for enrolling in 4-H is $15 per child and mini 4-H (grades K-2) is free.
Abby Morgan is the Montgomery County Extension Education, 4-H Youth Development Educator. The office is at 400 Parke Ave., Crawfordsville; 765-364-6363. She may be reached by email at asweet@purdue.edu.
