This is National 4-H Week

October is the time of year for fall leaves, pumpkins and clover. 4-H clovers that is! Many 4-H clubs reorganize for the new 4-H year in the fall. More than six million young people across the country celebrate National 4-H Week, an annual celebration of 4-H during the first full week of October.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is designed to engage youth in learning opportunities that promote positive youth development. In 4-H, the critical elements of a successful learning experience are a sense of belonging, independence, mastery, and generosity. 4-H clubs, school enrichment programs, after-school programs and individual/family 4-H groups can utilize curriculum and over 100 different “projects” or subject areas to spark kids’ interest. 4-H activities and projects may address one or more of 35 identified life skills, including leadership, responsible citizenship, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, respect for others and communication.

The Lincoln County 4-H Program is gearing up for the new 4-H year with kick-off sessions for six returning chartered 4-H clubs and eight family 4-H groups. Last year there were a total of 56 certified 4-H volunteers reaching 184 youth, not counting additional participants at Camp Na-Bor-Lee, the Food $ense program in the schools and some other short-term activities such as Know Your Government and Summer Reading Programs.

The 4-H program relies on volunteers to organize and deliver program to all youth without discrimination. Youth ages 5 to 18 can be involved in much more than just “cows and cooking.” Projects range from pets to robotics, with curriculum available that incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and life-skill development. Upcoming 4-H 101 Volunteer Education sessions in November will provide an opportunity for new leaders of existing and new clubs and family 4-H groups to certify to work with 4-H youth in the new 4-H year.

Research has proven that participation in 4-H has a significant positive impact on young people. Recent findings from the Tufts University 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that, when compared to their peers, young people in 4-H are:

• Nearly four times more likely to contribute to their communities,

• Two times more likely to pursue healthy behaviors, and

• Two times more likely to engage in STEM programs in their out-of-school time.

For information on 4-H in the Lincoln-Adams area, contact WSU Extension Program coordinator Randy Williams at 509-725-4171 or randy.williams@wsu.edu, Lincoln-Adams WSU Extension Program assistant Karen Robertson at 509-659-3209 or robertk@wsu.edu or regional 4-H Youth Development Specialist for Grant-Adams-Lincoln counties Lauren Hrncirik or visit Facebook or the web at http://extension.wsu.edu/lincoln-adams/