Grant County 4-H

Grant County is a rural area with two high schools and three elementary schools. The needs of youth have been identified as being of high priority. Comparative data relating to these concerns include low per-capita income, high rate of children living in poverty, low high school graduation rates, low post-secondary education participation, teen pregnancy, and high unemployment.

By far, 4-H is the most known and visible Extension development program, best known for its 4-H clubs and summer 4-H camps. Extension also offers literacy and adult volunteer leadership programming related to 4-H and youth development. Regular 4-H membership is open to all youths age 9 through age 21.

Current programs include 4-H youth development with:

• an enrollment of more than 250 youth in eight 4-H clubs
• more than 30 adult volunteers who serve as leaders and mentors in youth programs
• a Forestry Judging Team
• a Poultry Judging Team
• a Horse Judging Team
• a Livestock Judging Team
• school enrichment programs
• two weeks of summer 4-H camp (Older and Younger Camp)
• Potomac Highlands Horse Camp
• a Cloverbud day for children age 5-8
• a summer Energy Express site
• Nutrition Education through the Family Nutrition Program’s Nutrition Outreach Instructor

Meeting the needs of youth is critical in educational programming. Involving older adults, young families, and youths in action learning is instrumental in developing infrastructure for sustaining families and communities.

The West Virginia 4-H Health Initiative increases the knowledge of health and motivates youths and their families to improve targeted everyday health behaviors. Trained youth 4-H Health Officers conduct hands-on health activities at monthly club meetings. Club members set monthly goals to improve health habits and track progress on a 4-H Health Planner. Families receive reinforcing take-home messages.

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Recent WV 4-H News

Winter and Spring 2025 Regional 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities

There are 4-H volunteer training opportunities scheduled around the state from late February through early May. A meal will be provided to each participant.

These trainings aims to help volunteers broaden awareness of the 4-H Thriving Model in their roles as volunteers, explore deeper the concepts of Sparks and how volunteers can serve as Spark Champions for 4-H members using WV teen-specific information from TLW 2024, and introduce the Beyond Ready initiative.

Read Winter and Spring 2025 Regional 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities

2025 My Hands to Larger Service mini-grants available

Since 2020, the West Virginia 4-H All Stars have generously funded mini-grants for West Virginia 4-H teens and their respective 4-H clubs to assist in the planning and completion of a community service project through the My Hands to Larger Service 4-H Project.

Mini-Grant Application

Read 2025 My Hands to Larger Service mini-grants available

West Virginia 4-H Announces 2024 Youth in Action Award Winners

The West Virginia 4-H Youth in Action Program announces four young leaders in 4-H pillar areas: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM.

Read West Virginia 4-H Announces 2024 Youth in Action Award Winners

Older WV 4-H News

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