Although the month of October is typically awash in the color orange and decorated with pumpkins, Oklahoma 4-H’ers celebrate with four-leaf clovers and the color green. Why? Because the first full week of October is National 4-H Week. As an added bonus, Oklahoma celebrates National 4-H Month throughout October. This year’s theme is Find Your Spark! The theme expresses the core of the 4-H Youth Development effort. This youth organization always has been about helping young people identify their spark. Mary Arnold, chair of the 4-H Thrive Model task force, said “A spark is a passion for a self-identified interest or skill, or a capacity that metaphorically lights a fire in a young person’s life, providing energy, joy, purpose and direction. Having spark or sparks gives a person a sense of direction and encourages goal setting.”
This is exactly what the Oklahoma 4-H program does for its youth, said Karla Knoepfli, Oklahoma State University Extension state volunteer specialist in the State 4-H Office.
“National 4-H Week always is an inspirational spark for our clubs, youth and volunteers,” Knoepfli said. Creativity abounds as we showcase how 4-H members and volunteers have identified their unique gifts and talents and how they are using them to make the world a better place for others.”
For more than a century, 4-H has continued to adapt and thrive in diverse environments, using many delivery methods, and offering ever-changing project areas which will spark a youth’s growth and passion. Caring adult volunteers provide a safe environment, giving members a voice, choice and hope in their future. Having hope and a sense of meaningful purpose in life is an important part of our positive youth development effort. As a result, members thrive with a greater sense of belonging, independence, generosity and mastery.
During National 4-H week, Knoepfli said we can illustrate to the communities in all 77 counties in Oklahoma that the research is true, “youth with a sense of purpose are more goal-directed, and have increased life satisfaction, better emotional well-being, and greater positive effect.”
For more information about National 4-H Week or National 4-H Month, contact Washita County Extension at 580-832-3356 or the state 4-H office at 405-744-5394.