September 11, 2015 - Now is the time to join 4-H and get in on the fun! While many people think that 4-H is just about raising livestock, nothing could be further from the truth. We have numerous 4-H’ers involved in projects like clothing & textiles, livestock, photography, public speaking, shooting sports, etc. No matter what the project, the goal of 4-H is to develop life skills and leadership within young people so they become productive, contributing members of society.
Shelby County 4-H is busy gearing up for our new 4-H year, and there is still time for your child become a member. Clubs meet on a monthly basis in Center, Shelbyville, and Joaquin. Some of our planned projects for fall include taxidermy, livestock showing, virtual fishing tournament, photography, food, fashion, and public speaking. Spring projects planned are more livestock showing, taxidermy, fashion, robotics, and babysitting certification. Enrollment is just $20 through October 31, 2015. Beginning November 1, the fee increases to $25 per child.
Research has shown that participation in 4-H programs makes a positive difference in the lives of youth. Youth development scholar, Dr. Richard Lerner, works with researchers at the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University to conduct The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development. The longitudinal study has found that, when compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H are:
• Two times more likely to be more engaged in school;
• Two times more likely to plan to go to college;
• Three times more likely to make positive contributions to their communities; and,
• Nearly two times more likely to participate in science, engineering, or computer technology programs (STEM) learning programs during out-of-school time.
Overall, the study found that the advantages of 4-H participation include higher educational achievement and higher motivation for future education.
If you are interested in joining Shelby County 4-H or would like additional information on our programs, give us a call at the Shelby County Extension office at 598-7744 and speak to either Daphne Lovell, Office Administrator, Lane Dunn - Agriculture and Natural Resource County Agent or Jheri-Lynn McSwain - Family and Consumer Sciences County Agent. If you are thinking about joining, make the call today!
