The West Virginia University Extension 4-H program offers a space for youths in the state to connect with themselves, build relationships and create lifelong experiences. 4-H clubs give them the opportunity to learn new skills, foster community and explore interests year-round.
To recognize the significance of 4-H, WVU Extension celebrates National 4-H Week, held on Oct. 7-12. This year’s theme is ‘Beyond Ready’, which invites incoming members to learn how 4-H builds a ready generation with skills needed for the future. Past and present 4-H'ers are invited to share how 4-H prepared them for their future.
“I think Beyond Ready is a very appropriate theme considering how many ways that 4-H contributes to the future of our youth,” Brent Clark, director of WVU Extension 4-H and Youth Development, said. “The 4-H program provides leadership and life skills that ensure our youth are productive citizens and leaders of tomorrow. The 4-H program is also placing an increased emphasis on workforce development and post-secondary education for young adults.”
In 2023, West Virginia 4-H reached more than 32,000 youths in all 55 counties through programs, such as community and special interest clubs, STEM education, livestock projects, in-school programs and camping. These programs help 4-H'ers to build a strong foundation for future success.
In addition to traditional camping and livestock activities, there are two types of 4-H clubs — community clubs and special interest clubs. Community clubs meet monthly to plan social, promotional, service and fundraising activities for club members. Special interest clubs focus on a specific topic, like teen leadership or robotics. Clubs offer youths an opportunity to learn about and participate in community service events in their communities with other youth.
"4-H clubs can provide youth with a range of opportunities to thrive,” Jenny Murray, associate program leader of WVU Extension 4-H, said. “Youth are engaged in the club planning, leadership, organizing and facilitating the club’s activities throughout the year. This hands-on leadership experience in a safe environment under the guidance and support of adult volunteers, allows the youth to practice new skills, like public speaking, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking.”
During the 2023-2024 4-H year, there were more than 560 clubs throughout the state and more than 8,800 West Virginia 4-H club members. Members participate in service projects, including delivering holiday food boxes in their community, cleaning up trash in a park or along a trail and making cards for veterans.
"The 4-H program is a place for youth to find belonging,” Murray said. “4-H clubs build a community among youth with shared interests, values, goals, cultures or a shared geographical area. They allow youth to connect with peers, mentors and professionals from diverse backgrounds. This networking can open doors to further opportunities and broaden their perspectives.”
There is no cost to join a 4-H club. 4-H club members can learn about a variety of topics through guest speakers to completing a project book. A 4-H project book is a combination of hands-on activities, record-keeping, leadership and communication opportunities. There are more than 60 project areas to choose from, from woodworking to cooking.
“The most important thing about being in your 4-H club is seeing how much you can actually help the world and help your community,” Paige Powers, 4-H club member in Lewis County, said. “My club only had 30 people in it, but these 30 people can do pretty much anything.”
Another way 4-H clubs help members be prepared for their future is through leadership experiences by holding officer positions, leading group activities and even attending national conferences. Conference opportunities include, National 4-H Conference, National 4-H Congress and more.
"4-H clubs empower youth by placing them in leadership positions within the club such as president, secretary, treasurer and health officer,” Murray said. “They take charge of running meetings, managing club business and financial records and leading their peers in activities and educational programs. These roles teach youth about organization, delegation and decision making.
4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people from diverse backgrounds learn by doing.
Youths between the ages of 9 and 21 can join 4-H with a parent or guardian’s permission. Younger children, ages 5 to 8, who are interested in 4-H can join Cloverbuds, which focuses more on fun and social activities that set the stage for future learning. College-aged students also can join any of the seven collegiate 4-H clubs in West Virginia. If you are interested in joining a club or exploring 4-H activities in your area, contact your local WVU Extension office.
“The 4-H program provides many ways to help young people to grow confidence, life skills, community engagement and leadership,” Clark said. “Leadership for youth takes many different forms in our program, including clubs, camps, in-school, afterschool, project book work, youth agriculture and more. 4-H provides youth the opportunity to collaborate, engage and share with others.”
To learn more about 4-H activities in your community and keep up with the latest in West Virginia 4-H news, follow @WestVirginia4H on Facebook and @wv_4h on Instagram.
If you want to learn more about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
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sd/09/23/24
CONTACT: Sophia Darmelio
Marketing Strategist
WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement
304-293-9490; sophia.darmelio@mail.wvu.edu