Youth & Family News

Monday, July 3, 2023, 5:30 p.m.   

Today we’re learning all about the creepy crawlies in the world around us. Elizabeth Rowen, a service assistant professor of entomology, guides us on a tour of WVU’s insect zoo, getting up close and personal with some tarantulas, scorpions and more. Next, 4-H youth and development agent Jocelyn Crawford teaches us all about what makes up an ecosystem and shows us how to make one in a jar! For this activity, all you need is a jar, a scoop of water from an outdoor water source, like a creek or pond, and objects around the water source, like leaves or rocks. Then we jump back to Elizabeth Rowen to go on a scavenger hunt for insects that you can find in your own backyard.  

Monday, June 26, 2023, 5:30 p.m.  

The Wild Owens kick us off today talking about bear dens and cubs. WVU Extension specialists Sheldon and Sarah Owen are joined by Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to hug some black bear cubs and learn about their habitats. Next, Alex Coffman, 4-H youth development agent, discusses keeping public parks and spaces clean with Leave No Trace. And while you’re out in these parks, you may come across some plants that could be dangerous. Bruce Loyd and Mike Shamblin, Extension agriculture and natural resource agents, walk us through the woods while showing us plants to avoid and how to identify them.  

Monday, June 19, 2023, 5:30 p.m.  

Happy Juneteenth! Join us for the very first episode of season four of WVU Extension’s Energy Express on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. 

This application is for WV 4-H youth ages 14 - 19 wanting to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta (November 2024) or National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. (March/April 2025). Once your application is submitted a follow-up interview will be scheduled in the first two weeks of June 2024. If this interview time does not work for you, please reach out directly to Nancy Yates.

Deadline to submit your resume is Friday, May 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM.

West Virginia 4-H is excited to announce the 2023 4-H State Camps Save The Dates. Be sure to mark your calendars as all of your favorite camps are returning with the addition of a brand new camp!

These camps are open to all that are interested, 4-H member or not. Please read each camp description to determine which age groups are invited to participate.

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.

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.

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.

Monday, July 25, 2022, 9 a.m.  

We’re kicking off week six with a read-aloud of “The Earth Gives More” by Sue Fleiss. Read by Lauren Seiler, Director of Development at WVU Extension, and her son Henry, this story details the beauty that Earth has to offer. Next, Meshea Poore gives some great advice on how to deal with new beginnings. Then, we head to the kitchen with Angela Lawrence, a WVU Extension family and community development agent, to get a few tips on how to pack a healthy, balanced lunch for school. Next, a group of West Virginia 4-H’ers talks about how to explore and pursue career pathways in areas related to climate change. To finish off today, Kerri Carte is back to teach us how to make homemade popcorn with flavors even better than the pre-made kind.  

West Virginia 4-H is proud to recognize 24 winners from 17 counties in the 2022 State 4-H Poster Contest