Jefferson County 4-H | Extension | West Virginia University

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What is 4-H?

4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in the United States involving more than 6.5 million young people and 540,000 youth and adult volunteers. The focus is on helping youth learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills by participating in projects and service.

Membership is open to any youth when he/she is in at least 9 years of age and is not older than 21 within the current 4-H year, which runs from October 1 – September 30. The Cloverbud program is open to youths ages 5-7 years of age. On a local level 4-H offers community clubs, specialty clubs, cloverbud clubs, county camp(s), club outings, Achievement Banquet, and more! In 4-H youth socialize, learn, and develop life skills in a safe, educational atmosphere.

Studies show that 4-H members

do better in school
are more motivated to help others
feel safe to try new things
achieve a sense of self-esteem
develop lasting friendships

Clubs

4-H Clubs throughout the county are currently organizing for the upcoming 4-H year that will begin October 1, 2021. Clubs that are authorized to meet for the 4-H year will be listed as they complete their volunteer registration and club charter renewal.

The Jefferson County 4-H program has community clubs that meet throughout the county. If you would like more information on becoming involved in the 4-H program as a club member or volunteer, please contact 304-728-7413.

Jefferson County 4-H Clubs

Jefferson 4-H Report

Monthly Challenges Recap

Jefferson County 4-H clubs and members have participated in monthly challenges all through 2021. Members are given specific "challenges" to complete, such as bringing a a friend to a 4-H meeting, or taking a selfie with a can of soup to be donated to a local food pantry.

4-H clubs also participate in challenges, such as collecting items to be donated to various charities, including JJ Bags for Foster Kids, Martinsburg VA. Nursing Home, and more. Members and clubs that participated are entered into a drawing each month, and given the chance to win prizes.

Read about Monthly Challenges Recap

Market Steer Weigh-In

The 4-H & FFA Market Steer weigh-in & identification will be held Saturday December 11, 2021, from 9-10 a.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. This event is mandatory for each steer that is intended to be shown as a market steer project during the 2022 Jefferson County Fair and each youth exhibitor is strongly encouraged to be present with their animal(s) at the event.

Please have the following information ready for each animal brought to the weigh in; Exhibitors name, address, and phone number, is the animal a 4-H or FFA project, the location that the animal will be housed, and the animal's DOB.

Read about Market Steer Weigh-In

Jefferson County 4-H Family Orientation

Purpose: To help newer 4-H families and members understand 4-H, ZSuite enrollment, and 4-H project books and completion. All families are welcome, whether you are new to 4-H or have been a member for years.

Schedule:
• 6 p.m. - Dinner (Pizza provided by the Jefferson County 4-H Foundation)
• 6:30 p.m. - Parent Workshop 1 (ZSuite Enrollment or 4-H Project Completion and 4-H Program information)
• 6:30 p.m. - Youth Session (4-H Exhibit/Poster Making, Project Book Exploration, Games and Songs)
• 7:15 p.m. - Parent Workshop 2 (ZSuite Enrollment or 4-H Project Completion and 4-H Program information)
• 8 p.m. - Safe Travel Home

Location: TBA

Registration: Contact the WVU Jefferson County Extension Office by Friday, October 22.

Read about Jefferson County 4-H Family Orientation

Recent WV 4-H News

Fall 2022 Regional 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities

The words 4-H Volunteers and a 4-H clover surrounded by hands reaching out with hearts in the palms

There are 4-H volunteer training opportunities scheduled around the state from late August through early October. A meal and 4-H club ideas (with supplies!) will be provided to each participant.

Volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend these trainings to gain new skills and learn how to restart/start 4-H clubs. This session will provide grab 'n' go training resources and curriculum you can use in working within the 4-H youth program. The training will also focus on building relationships between 4-H volunteers and Extension educators. We are excited to come back together to learn, socialize and recognize our excellent volunteers that support our youth.

Excellence in 4-H project work on display at the State Fair of West Virginia 2022

Adult taking a picture of a boy in a 4-H camp backdrop

The public is encouraged to picture themselves in 4-H this year at the State Fair of West Virginia. The stage has been set for kids of all ages to step into a 4-H club meeting or head off to 4-H camp at the 4-H exhibit in the Cecil Underwood Youth building. Thank you to Gold Ribbon poster winner, Hannah Beckner from Gilmer County for inspiring the exhibit theme this year.

Cornbread muffins, collections of leaves, creative 4-H clover displays, and handmade clothing garments and toolboxes line the display stands in the Cecil Underwood Youth Building at the as evidence of 4-H members’ hard work throughout the past year. People attending the State Fair of West Virginia can view these blue-ribbon 4-H project exhibits from August 11 through 20, 2022. Additionally, there are hundreds of exhibits online in the virtual state 4-H exhibit .

West Virginia 4-H Announces 2022 Youth in Action Award Winners

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

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