The public is invited to the Wetlands Education Center today to learn more about 4-H and some of the fun projects that 4-H offers. At 2 p.m. there will be a drone demonstration and following that kids will be divided into four groups for short learning sessions on Photography, Foods and Nutrition, Visual Arts and Entomology. If you have a camera, please bring that along for the photography session. The educational sessions will run until 4 p.m. 

4-H is for youth age 7-19 years old and that age is based how old they are on Jan. 1, 2019. Cloverbuds is for 5- or 6-year-olds and that also is based on their age on Jan. 1. 

4-H is not only for youth, but for adults, too. Adult volunteers are a vital asset to the program. We depend on them to share their knowledge and expertise with the youth. All volunteers are asked to complete a volunteer screening program. We are always thrilled to add additional volunteers to our group.

To end the celebration, 4-H members will take part in the Kansas 48 Hours of 4-H Service Challenge. The goal of our state 4-H youth council is to challenge 4-H members in every Extension Unit to take time to make an impact on their community. 

Members have selected the Wetlands Education Center and the area as their 48 Hours of 4-H project. From 4 to 5 p.m., 4-H families will help get the area in tiptop shape. Other community members are invited to join us in this effort. Bring gloves and we suggest wearing long pants. 

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.

For more information about how you can get involved in 4-H as a member or as a volunteer leader, contact the Cottonwood Extension District office in Great Bend, 620-793-1910, or visit the Extension website www.cottonwood.ksu.edu. 

Berny Unruh is the 4-H and Youth Development Extension agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. She can be reached at 620-793-1910 or at bunruh@oznet.ksu.edu.