The anticipation is building for National 4-H Week, during which millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country will be celebrating everything 4-H.
Jackson County 4-H will observe National 4-H Week from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12 by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people, and will highlight the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them.
Be sure to check out “Purdue Extension Jackson County” on Facebook throughout National 4-H Week, as we highlight the youth in our 4-H Program.
The theme of this year’s National 4-H Week is "Inspire Kids to Do," which highlights how 4-H encourages kids to take part in hands-on learning experiences in areas such as health, science, agriculture and civic engagement. The positive environment provided by 4-H mentors ensures that kids in every county and parish in the country — from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities — are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles and are empowered with the skills to lead in life and career.
In 2019, the Jackson County 4-H program served nearly 800 4-H members, thanks to the 179 Adult 4-H Volunteers who dedicate their time to mentoring youth and providing them with educational opportunities.
We had a successful 2018/2019 4-H program year, thanks to our 4-H Volunteers who give countless hours to the youth of Jackson County. There are more than 30 4-H clubs that meet throughout the year in all parts of the county: Seymour, Brownstown, Cortland, Freetown, and Medora.
Older youth are encouraged to take leadership roles in the club, as they serve as club officers and are role models for the younger members. Youth can explore more than 70 different projects in 4-H and showcase their talents at the Jackson County Fair.
This summer, several educational workshops were conducted around the following topics: Sewing, EMT/First Aid, cake decorating, photography, electrical engineering, beekeeping, recycling and floriculture.
In addition to our traditional year-round program, we also offer a variety of short term experiences around certain topics. This year, we offered a Knitting SPARK Club, Computer Coding SPARK Club, a week-long LEGO Robotics camp and a two-day nature camp.
One of the most anticipated events of National 4-H Week every year is 4-H National Youth Science Day, which sees hundreds of thousands of youth across the nation taking part in the world’s largest youth-led STEM challenge. The exciting theme for this year’s challenge is Game Changers, which will run throughout October. Developed by Google and West Virginia University Extension Service, Game Changers will teach kids coding skills through fun exercises including gaming, puzzles and physical activity.
Enrollment for the 2019/2020 4-H program year opens Oct. 1. Youth in grades K-12 can enroll in the Jackson County 4-H program. Contact the Purdue Extension Office to learn more at 812-358-6101. In 4-H, we pledge our heads to clearer thinking, our hearts to greater loyalty, our hands to larger service, and our health to better living.
Heather VonDielingen, 4-H Youth Educator, is looking for additional volunteers to facilitate 4-H Computer Coding experiences in Jackson County. Contact Purdue Extension Jackson County at 812-358-6101 or email Heather VonDielingen at [email protected] for more information on becoming a 4-H volunteer.