4-H offers ‘Opportunity for All’

This is National 4-H Week with a theme of “Opportunity 4 All.” The week highlights how 4-H offers opportunities for youth to find their passion and explore learning about it through hands-on learning experiences.

4-H programs nationally are operated by the Extension Services of Public Universities. In the case of local clubs that is the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

Locally, there are nine 4-H Clubs in Dodge County that are currently serving nearly 300 youths from kindergarten through one year past high school. Olmsted County Extension also supports a number of 4-H Clubs.

Dodge County 4-H has several events scheduled this month that will highlight involvement in the program.

One specifically geared towards interesting youth in membership is “Get Green With Dodge County  4-H.” This event, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. next Tuesday, will give attendees an opportunity to learn about all that 4-H has to offer. It also will include free food, fall games and activities.

Anyone interested in joining the organization should stop by the event at the 4-H Building on the county fairgrounds.

For youth, members or not, who just want to participate in a couple of fun fall activities, 4-H also has something for them.

Here in Dodge County that includes a pumpkin contest and a coloring contest.

The pumpkin contest runs from now through Oct. 21 with the winners announced on Halloween. This is one of those virtual events where you upload your image of the pumpkin to the Dodge County Extension Service website. Images can be uploaded through a QR Code or website.

This contest is open to all youth.

A coloring contest is open to the younger kids, kindergarten through grade 5. Stop by the Extension Office in Mantorville by Oct. 20, pick up a coloring sheet and return it by Oct. 21. Again, winners will be announced on Halloween.

These are fun events for all youngsters and they provide an opportunity to learn more about a positive youth organization.

Probably most Dodge County residents are aware of 4-H because of its presence at the Dodge County Fair every July. At the fair the livestock-related events are often the most noticed because of the animal displays and shows. Anyone who stops by the 4-H Building during the fair will find, however, that activities are much more varied.

Today’s 4-H provides a positive environment for kids whether they live on farms, in urban areas or small towns. With the help of adult mentors they are encouraged to learn proactive leadership roles and learn the skills needed to lead in life and careers.

4-H helps empower young people to make a positive investment in their communities.

For more than 100 years 4-H has helped youth to gain knowledge, life skills and attitudes to further their growth as members of society.

Now is a great time to support 4-H.