TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — 4-H started in 1902, which was nearly 123 years ago, but what makes that organization so important and what draws children back every single year?
Registration started on October 1st to sign your child up, 3rd grade through 12th grade, to be involved in 4-H. There is also ‘mini’ 4-H for younger age groups (K-2nd) to get familiar with the projects and judging criteria in 4-H.
“A five-minute process online takes you step-by-step online,” said Christine Jacob, Vigo County 4-H Youth Development Educator, County Extension Director. “Step-by-step, what’s your name and address, click next, what are you interested in and click next, and you can always go back in and change later.”
Now there are more projects available than you might think and now is the time for children to get involved and maybe try something new.
“What things interest them? Instead of just waiting until after they’re done with school to start discovering what they’re interests are,” said Jacob.
10-year 4-H member at Vigo Co., Ava Armstrong, spoke about how she and many others have been impacted by the 4-H organization as a whole.
“It has brought me so many people from every different barn from every different part of Vigo County. I have met the most incredible and amazing people, and I’ve learned to embrace every single thing that life has to throw at you,” said Armstrong.
And if it is something that you have never done before? You have plenty of people to help you or your child achieve goals along the way.
“So, we have a wide variety of workshops that happen throughout the year, led by our volunteers who are knowledgeable and quite a variety of topics.”
As the next generation of children is figuring out what they love and what they are good at, 4-H is home to many kids finding their passion.
“It is such a crucial time to get them involved in things that are going to impact them and lead them into more things into the future,” said Armstrong. “I mean, starting with 4-H, it can take you into so many different places, whether it’s public speaking or being a state ambassador or showing 10 different animals.”
Now, some of you may know of the more popular projects like showing beef or pigs, but what you may not know is that there are projects like public speaking, performing arts, or baking, showing that there is a project for every child in the community.
If you would like to learn more information about 4-H, click here, or if you would like to directly sign up, click here.
Also, coming up on November 22nd, the Vigo County 4-H council will be hosting a holiday craft bazaar. You can find more information about the event by clicking here.
