Washington County youth celebrate National 4-H Week Oct. 1-7

The anticipation is building for National 4-H Week, during which millions of youth, parents, volunteers, and alumni across the country will be celebrating everything 4-H. Oct. 1-7 is National 4-H Week, and Washington County is celebrating the 4-H youth and alumni who are making an impact on the community. During this celebrated week 4-H members and volunteers are excited to promote 4-H in special ways in communities across the county. Several special events will be going all week to help celebrate. Washington County 4-H is proud to have such an active and supportive community of these special events and our youth.

The 2023 National 4-H Week theme is I <3 4-H, (I heart 4-H) which celebrates everything we love about 4-H. The positive environment provided by 4-H volunteers ensures that kids in every county, from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities, are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles and are empowered with the skills to lead in life and career.

4-H believes that young people, in partnership with adults, can play a key role in creating a more promising and equitable future for youth, families and communities across the country. In 4-H, all members are given equal opportunity to succeed and are equipped with the skills they need to make a difference in the world.

Washington County 4-H is proud to be in the top 10 largest 4-H programs in the state of Iowa with nearly 400 4th-12th grade members last year and 180 kindergarten-3rd graders in Clover Kids. National 4-H Week is the perfect time to get enrolled in 4-H for the new year as clubs are kicking off the new year this month.

There are several social media contests running this week to encourage 4-Hers to share their 4-H stories and challenge completions which enters them in 4-H PROUD Prize Package. There are 4-H locker signs in the schools and enrollment drawings.

Oct. 2 is “Mindful Monday” challenging 4-Hers and their families to take time to show gratitude for those who support them.

Oct. 3 is “Tasty Tuesday” and 4-Hers are encouraged to enjoy a meal with their family together. An open house/fundraiser night is set for Unc & Neph’s in Washington where 4-H staff and 4-H Youth Committee members will be present from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to answer questions about 4-H and volunteering. The community is welcome to come and learn more in a casual one on one setting. Door prizes and special new member joining gifts available all night.

Oct. 4 is “Wear it Wednesday” and 4-Hers are challenged to Go Green in their 4-H gear to show their 4-H Pride.

Oct. 5 is “Throwback Thursday” for 4-Hers families past and present to flood social media with flashback photos of favorite 4-H days

Oct. 6 is “CyDay Friday.” Extension and 4-H will be celebrating community partners with a taco truck lunch at the fairgrounds.

The 4-H county council will end National 4-H Week by having an active hand in the community preparing and serving a meal for the Oct. 7 Saturday Kitchen at the UP Church in Washington. This is a free meal for the community to gather and connect. Stop by and learn more about 4-H too! Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.

During the month County Council will be sharing with 4th grade classrooms a folder of 4-H information this fall. To find a 4-H club, families should contact the Extension Office in Washington or they can find the current club options and leaders at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/washington/join-4-h.

4-H was founded on the belief that when kids are empowered to pursue their passions and chart their own course, their unique skills grow and take shape, helping them to become true leaders in their lives, careers and communities.

Research from Tufts University's 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-H'ers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities.

Washington County has 4-H programs for youth in grades K-12. For more information about the 4-H program in Washington County as a member or volunteer, contact the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811, or check the web at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/washington/.