Plymouth County Youth celebrate National 4-H Week

Plymouth County 4-H'ers will join 4-H youth from across the nation in "Keeping It Green" as they celebrate 2008 National 4-H Week Oct. 5-11.

In Plymouth County, nearly 500 4-H members and hundreds of volunteers are actively involved in 4-H.

Throughout National 4-H week and the year, 4-H'ers solve problems in their communities, raise awareness about environmental issues, and make a difference for their futures in the spirit of 4-H's vision to create a world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change.

During National 4-H Week, Plymouth County Council members will be visiting fourth and fifth grade classrooms in Plymouth County schools doing fun activities with the students.

Plymouth County 4-H T-shirts will be tossed out during home football games as well.

Area 4-H'ers say being a member has impacted their lives.

"I have gained confidence in myself as well as leadership skills," says Cassie DeLarm, a member of the Plymouth Pros 4-H Club.

Carlee Riediger, member of the Lincoln Toppers 4-H Club said involvement in 4-H is a double bonus.

"Not only have a learned to be organized and meet due dates, but I've met many new friends from around the county," she said.

In keeping with the observance, Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has officially proclaimed Oct. 5-11, 2008, as National 4-H Week in Iowa.

In the proclamation, Culver points to the 4-H program's Iowa beginnings in 1901, making Iowa one of the pioneers in the youth development movement.

Culver said 4-H helps "youth and adults learn, grow and work together to live the 4-H motto: to make the best better."

Other points of pride mentioned in the proclamation are the 125,000 youth participants, more than 11,000 adult volunteers and more than 100 different programs and projects made available to Iowa youth through Iowa State University Extension.

Culver also said, "I urge my fellow citizens to observe this week by connecting with youth, friends, fellow employees and relatives, and with school, community and civic groups to engage in projects benefiting their community."

"Governor Culver's proclamation is a great honor to the Iowa 4-H program," said Chuck Morris, director of the Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development program. "4-H has expanded its curriculum to accommodate youth in larger towns and cities."

Many projects and activities emphasize science, technology, leadership, citizenship, communication and the environment.

"Iowa youth also continue to participate in traditional 4-H projects such as livestock and gardening," Morris added.

Plymouth County youth can join the 4-H community today.

To learn how to become a 4-H member or volunteer leader in Plymouth County, contact Ann Schoenrock, County Youth Coordinator, at Iowa State University Cooperative Extension, Plymouth County at 712-546-7835 or schoenro@iastate.edu.

4-H is a community of 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. National 4-H Headquarters, which operates out of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the federal partner of 4-H programs implemented by the Cooperative Extension System of the nation's 106 land-grant colleges and universities and in local communities through 3,150 county Cooperative Extension offices. Learn more about the 4-H adventure at www.4-H.org.