October 2-8 is an exciting time as 4-H families across the nation celebrate National 4-H Week! Per the National 4-H website, 4-H was established as Youth Clubs in 1902 with agricultural after-school clubs focused on particular ag products such as tomatoes or corn. In 1912, these groups were referred to as 4-H Clubs in recognition of the clover pin developed in 1910. The passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914 created the Cooperative Extension System at USDA and nationalized 4-H. By 1914, 4-H Clubs were formed and the clover emblem was adopted.
The Cooperative Extension System is a partnership of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the USDA, more than 100 land-grant universities and more than 3,000 county offices across the nation, including all 105 counties in Kansas. Cooperative Extension combines the expertise and resources of federal, state, and local governments to meet the need for research, knowledge, and educational programs. In 4 H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.
On Sept. 28, I was joined by two of our 4-H Ambassadors, Ailey Williams, and Parker Dicks, to address the Barton County Commission. We were delighted with Proclamation 2022-15 which states “4-H, as delivered by Cooperative Extension agencies, has helped thousands of youth become true leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. By declaring Oct. 2-8, 2022, as national 4-H Week, the Commission will encourage all citizens to recognize 4-H for the significant impact it makes by empowering youth with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime.”
If you know of a young person who would benefit from the opportunities of 4-H, enrollment for the new year began Oct. 1! The Cottonwood Extension District offers eight community clubs and over 40 project areas from Art to Woodworking for youth to explore, learn, and grow. More information can be found at our website cottonwood.k-state.edu or by calling one of our offices.
If you happen to be in our Ellis County area, 4-H members will have several displays around the county and they are hosting a 4-H coloring page contest for local second grade students!
Community service and citizenship are hallmarks of the 4-H program! 4-H is a state-wide service challenge. Cottonwood-Barton 4-H families will meet at the Barton County Historical Society on Sunday, Oct. 9 to clean up and handle whatever projects are needed. Previous projects have included clean up at Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo and the 4-H Educational grounds. Many individual clubs will take on separate projects in their town. Teaching youth the value of giving back to their communities helps all communities be stronger and to develop the leaders needed to not just survive but to thrive!
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.
Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent for the Cottonwood District, Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth and Development related questions email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.
