National 4-H Week celebrations ongoing throughout the U.S.

Oct 03, 2017

Many clubs will be out in full force promoting 4-H

By Diego Flammini
News Reporter
Farms.com

The nearly six million 4-H members across the United States are taking part in various celebrations during National 4-H Week.

National 4-H Week began on Oct. 1. And until Oct. 7, a number of community 4-H groups will do their part to celebrate 4-H and its role in rural communities.

4-H clubs in Kansas are hosting their fourth annual 48 Hours of 4-H community service event.

Different clubs throughout the state will undertake various projects in an effort to give back to their communities.

4-H members from Lyon County, KS will repair stones in an old cemetery and Miami County 4-Hers will collect items for nursing homes and other charities.

Organizers say the number of volunteer opportunities reflect the number of opportunities 4-H can provide for its members.

“There’s really something for everyone in 4-H and I think that is the message we get from seeing all of the projects that are planned,” Beth Hinshaw, who coordinates the 48 Hours of 4-H event, said in a release.

There are also national events taking place during National 4-H Week.

Oct. 4 is recognized as 4-H National youth Science Day.

Each year, thousands of youth take part in the National Science Challenge, focusing on important science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) issues.

This year, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln developed a challenge to build wearable fitness trackers.

This one challenge can incorporate a number of educational components, according to university officials.

“Wearable technology is a great space for youth and education,” Brad Barker, assistant professor, cooperative extension with the University of Nebraska, said in a video. “It really combines a lot of different areas. For instance you have technology, computer programming (and) circuitry.”

Many are also using this week to reflect on their time as a member of a local 4-H group.

“I remember when I first joined 4-H, and my mom and dad opened a checking account in my name, depositing $100,” Dave Snedden, a Monsanto U.S. row crops manufacturing lead, said in a release. “They bought me one steer and two pigs for my project and provided all the animal feed I would need for an entire year.

In future years, I was able to buy and raise my livestock projects on my own. This taught me the true value of respect, worth ethic, the value of a dollar and in committing to a goal and results that I leverage every day.”

National 4-H Week wraps up on Oct. 7. Be sure to contact your local 4-H club to find out about events going on in your area.

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