Kansas 4-H will celebrate its long-standing commitment to community service when members across the state participate in 48 Hours of 4-H, Oct. 9-10.

Beth Hinshaw, a 4-H youth development specialist in the southeast region, said the annual event wraps up National 4-H Week in the United States.

“4-H has a really long history of young people being involved in their community,” Hinshaw said. “Some of the research from several years ago tells us that 4-Hers in grades 7 and up are nearly four times more likely to make contributions to their communities. And, those in grades 8-12 are two times more likely to be civically active.” 

48 Hours of 4-H is a project that encourages clubs in the state to plan a community service project. “It’s not a 48-hour project,” Hinshaw said, “but rather a project that you do sometime during that 48-hour timeframe.”  

In the past, Hinshaw said, groups have been very creative in how they have chosen to help their community, including such things as: 

• Beautification of the community, such painting equipment in parks, planting flower bulbs, picking up trash and trimming landscapes. 

• Collections, such non-perishable food and laundry supplies. 

• Special events. 

• Serving meals. 

• Visiting nursing homes.  

“It’s really about what the 4-H club or group wants to do to serve their community,” Hinshaw said.  

“These are the young people that someday they’re going to grow up and be serving their community as adults, as well,” Hinshaw said. “I think we all know that’s the kind of communities we want to live in and enjoy some day... with people who want to make a difference.” 

On a local level, Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County 4-H members will be hosting their 4-H BBQ Fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 10 at the old 4-H grounds between Hoisington and Great Bend. During the meal, the 4-H Clubs will showcase many of the 40 project areas available through Kansas 4-H! Serving is from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and both dine-in and drive-up options are available. This fundraiser supports events, activities, and scholarships for nearly 200 4-H youth! Please plan to join us on Oct. 10.

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.