Across West Virginia, young people involved in 4-H are making a lasting impact. Our 4-H’ers are building robots, helping the environment, exploring math and science, traveling to new places, getting healthy and becoming leaders in their communities and beyond.
And while many parents might be scratching their heads, wondering how one organization can do all this, the answer is simple: 4-H makes learning fun. As kids learn, they acquire skills and build confidence and become better citizens. In fact, a recent national study of the 4-H “learn by doing” approach shows 4-H’ers are nearly twice as likely to get better grades in school and twice as likely to plan to go to college.
But, for any youth-based organization to thrive, it takes the collective efforts of the children and families in our communities. There are opportunities throughout the year to become involved in Greenbrier County 4-H. But, there’s no better time to enroll than October.
Oct. 5 kicked off National 4-H Week, when young people can join the 4-H program in our area. There’s no charge to join and minimal charges for any activities.
“The inclusive environment that 4-H creates for its members is ideal not only for personal development, but also for fun,” said Emily Cross, Greenbrier County 4-H Program Assistant.
4-H is the largest youth development organization in West Virginia, and our nation. Nearly one-in-four West Virginia youth belong to the 4-H program.
Part of the program’s appeal is that it provides a safe and welcoming environment for children from various backgrounds to thrive. That same national study also found that girls in 4-H are more than twice as likely to participate in science, engineering or computer technology programs as their peers.
It isn’t a stretch to say that 4-H changes lives and opens the door for new opportunities.
A new 4-H program year is about to start. For information about 4-H opportunities in Greenbrier County, contact Emily Cross, Greenbrier County 4-H Program Assistant, in WVU Extension’s Greenbrier County office at Emily.cross@mail.wvu.eduor call 304-647-7408.