Lewis County 4-H

Share this

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

Lewis County 4-H membership is open to all youths ages 9 – 21. (Children ages eight and in the third grade as of October 1 of the 4-H year) may also join as full members. Younger children may join as Cloverbuds.

There are nine 4-H clubs located throughout Lewis County. Each club provides a number of activities for their members in addition to monthly meetings.

LITES (Teen Leaders)

Meeting Day: First Thursday
Meeting Time: 6:30 p.m.
Meeting Place: Lewis County EMS Community Room

The Lewis County 4-H Teen Leaders Association (LITES) is a very active group. From organizing county-wide events to community service to experiencing the fun and fellowship of great special activities…the LITES do it all!

LITES host the annual Lewis County Officers’ Training School and Mini-Camp for older Cloverbuds and first year campers. LITES also have an active role in the Lewis County 4-H Field Day.

Membership in LITES is open to all Lewis County 4-H members that are 13 or older as of October 1 of the 4-H year.

To find out more about the Lewis County 4-H Teen Leaders’ Association, call 304-269-4660.

Camps

Each year, 4-H members from clubs throughout Lewis County gather to renew friendships and to make new friends at the Lewis County 4-H Camp held at WVU Jackson’s Mill. This year, the Lewis County 4-H Camp will once again offer great adventures and exciting learning opportunities for returning and first year campers alike.

All Lewis County 4-H members are welcomed and encouraged to come to camp. It’s a fun-filled five days for all. Registration information will be mailed to 4-H members in mid-May.

Contact: Megan Midcap, Extension Agent

Recent WV 4-H News

Application for National 4-H Congress and Conference

This application is for WV 4-H youth ages 14-19 wanting to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta (November 2023) or National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. (March/April 2024). Once your application is submitted a follow-up interview will be scheduled in June 2023.

17 people standing in two rows Deadline to submit your interview is midnight on Monday, May 15th, 2023. Youth accepted to attend Congress or Conference will be attending this event with pre-selected WVU Extension Chaperones. Youth will be attending on their own, family members and 4-H Volunteers will not be eligible to attend. There will be times during these National events when youth will be chaperoned by someone other than the WVU chaperones.

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 .

Older WV 4-H News