Every year, National 4-H Week sees millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni come together to celebrate the many positive youth development opportunities offered by 4-H. The theme for this year’s National 4-H Week, Opportunity4All, is a campaign that was created by National 4-H Council to rally support for Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program and identify solutions to eliminate the opportunity gap that affects 55 million kids across America.
Oklahoma 4-H comprises 143,488 youth participates. Over 160 of those youth reside in Washita County. Each year, Oklahoma 4-H members, staff and volunteers carry on the tradition of National 4-H Week by promoting 4-H and engaging communities in a celebration of the nation’s largest youth development organization.
Washita County 4-H will observe National 4-H Week this year by showing appreciation to the Washita County Commissioners as they witness the signing of the National 4-H Week Proclamation. In addition, clubs will be hanging posters in their communities about their favorite 4-H experience, and engaging in community service projects.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, is National 4-H Spirit Day. On this special day, members will share their 4-H pride by wearing their favorite 4-H t-shirt or representing the 4-H clover at school, extracurricular activities or work. This is a day to go all GREEN!
“The benefits of the 4-H experience follows our 4-H members into adulthood,” said Dana Church, Washita County OSU Extension 4-H Educator. “Important life skills such as public speaking, record keeping, and goal setting are cultivated in our clubs which enhance their ability to respond in all stages of life.”
“When we ask our youth what their favorite part of 4-H is, often times it is our community service projects. Washita County 4-H is involved in the state 4-H service projects, they work at the OKC Food Bank and they make items for the local nursing home, to name a few.”
This year, Washita County 4-H Clubs are making an intentional effort to promote the wide variety of project areas and opportunities that 4-H has to offer. Often times the general public relates 4-H only to animals and agriculture. However, 4-H is so much more than that. The following are a few project areas: Environmental Science; Communication & Expressive Arts; Nutrition, Health & Wellness; Science & Technology, Shooting Sports, ATV, Animal Science, Civic Engagement, Leadership. To enroll in 4-H, contact Washita County OSU Extension, 580-832-3356.