January 5, 2017 - 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, 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. And we could not do it without the time, talent and dedication of 4-H volunteer leaders, so special thanks to them!
Shelby County 4-H is busy gearing up for our spring events, and there is still time for your child become a member of 4-H for 2017. Clubs meet on a monthly basis in Center, Shelbyville, and Joaquin. Projects that will kick off in January/February include: shooting sports, virtual fishing, livestock showing, outdoor adventures, and photography.
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.
Submitted by Jheri-Lynn McSwain
