4-H : so much more THAN COWS AND CROPS

if you or your family grew up knowing about 4-H, you might have known something about the agriculture-science roots the 4-H program was based on. While agriculture and livestock projects are still a part of 4-H, there is so much more that youth can do in this program. 4-H is the premiere youth development program in which they learn leadership, civic engagement and project activities. Of the 6 million children and teens involved in 4-H throughout the country, 1.8 million are urban youth, 1.6 million suburban youth, and 2.6 million are youth living in rural areas.

The 4-H mission is to help youth grow to exemplify the four H’s — head, heart, hands and health. They use their head to make sound decisions, set goals and stick with them until they are achieved, and have the practical skills needed to lead a productive and fulfilling life. Following their heart helps them act with integrity and accountability and gives them opportunities to help others become their best. Using their hands to serve others puts the needs of the community before those of themselves. And actively taking care of their minds and bodies is important to their health.

So what is 4-H?

North Dakota 4-H is run through NDSU Extension, and each county in North Dakota has an independent program to meet the needs of youth in each county. Cass County 4-H has nearly 400 members and over 130 adult volunteers in the program. These members, their families and the adult volunteers are the heart of the 4-H program.

4-H is open to all youth ages 8-18, and ages 5-7 as Cloverbud members, and they can join at any time in this age range. Youth and their families attend a monthly club meeting in the county with other members who have similar interests or live nearby. There are workshops offered throughout the year on a variety of interests ranging from arts, crafts and woodworking to STEM, science,

Any child or teen can find a 4-H project to match their interests. A sampling of project areas include:

CLOTHING & TEXTILES

ROBOTICS

PET CARE

RABBITS

ELECTRICITY

HORTICULTURE

BAKING & COOKING

SHOOTING SPORTS

GEOLOGY

INTERIOR DESIGN

SMALL ENGINES

WILDLIFE

HORSES

WOODWORKING

VISUAL ARTS & CRAFTS

PHOTOGRAPHY livestock and more. These programs provide a hands-on way to learn about a topic and teach youth life skills through project exploration. Cass County 4-H also offers “Teens as Leaders,” a teen leadership program aimed toward growing youth leadership and career-readiness skills.

For a complete list of projects, visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/cass4h.

Other opportunities in the 4-H program include a wide variety of project learning opportunities. Youth can enroll for a project area on their own and with fellow club members. Once a project has been chosen, youth set goals and learn the skills needed to achieve these goals through a variety of hands-on opportunities including project booklets, lessons, participation in county workshops or the help of a knowledgeable adult. Each project is completed with an exhibit or demonstration of the skills they have learned at events or the county fair. There is a project area to match nearly every interest youth have, and seeing their fellow 4-H members' interests can lead them to all kinds of new and exciting projects.

Not only are there numerous opportunities for 4-H youth to participate at the county level, but with State 4-H Ambassadors, state camps and programs, exhibits at the North Dakota State Fair, and state scholarships, there are even more leadership opportunities and room for growth. District, state and national trips and educational events give youth the opportunity to explore the world beyond the county borders.

Even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, 4-H has been offering virtual and online learning opportunities for all youth with virtual camps, leadership programs and more. As we move forward, the top priorities of North Dakota 4-H and NDSU Extension remain the health, safety and well-being of our 4-H’ers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on the 4-H program or to find a club, contact Sarah McNaughton, 4-H Extension Agent at sarah.mcnaughton@ndsu.edu, call 701-241-5700, or visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/cass4h.