A decades-old program that aims to build life skills in kids from grades K through 12 is celebrating its rural roots this week. Cheryl Entriken is the 4-H youth leader in central Iowa’s Hamilton County and says there are special activities and promotions underway as part of National 4-H Week.
“We’ve encouraged our 4-Hers to make 4-H known in their communities,” Entriken says. “Some of them will be making posters they’ll have displayed in businesses. Some of them will be doing special ‘green acts’ or kindness acts for individuals who have done special things for them throughout the year, just to show their appreciation.”
Earlier this year, there was a shakeup with the Iowa State University Extension service, which oversees the 4-H program in Iowa. Entriken says the program will continue to serve the needs of youth across the state in providing them the leadership skills they need. She says a new campaign is underway.
Entriken says, “It’s called ‘We’re Going Places,’ and they want others to know that the 4-H program is a wonderful opportunity to expand on their learning experiences and to help them develop into wonderful young citizens.” Entriken says 4-H is not just for farm kids. She says all sorts of programs and workshops are being offered, in things ranging from sewing and cooking to photography and camping. One new program is in robotics.
Young people from 9 to 14 are encouraged to learn how to build and program robots and work with teams to expand their knowledge in science technology. Anyone interested in being a part of the 4-H program, youth or volunteers, can call the nearest ISU Extension Office or visit the website: “www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/“.
Contributed by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City