• By Mitzi Downing
• Posted Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Youth: Joining the Revolution of Responsibility

For more than 101 years, the 4-H Program of North Carolina has been engaging youth in programs that help develop skills for a lifetime. These skills range from communication to community service and from goal setting to leadership. Regardless of the skill learned, the benefits gathered from a young person participating in the 4-H Program are priceless.

The 4-H is the largest youth development program in the nation, serving more than 6.5 million youth annually. Administered by North Carolina Cooperative Extension at NC State University and NC A&T State University, 4-H serves youth in all 100 counties in the state plus the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians through a network of 100 County Extension Offices. 4-H is managed jointly by both a professional and volunteer staff. North Carolina 4-H, one of the leading 4-H programs in the country, has more than 218,000 youth participants and more than 21,000 volunteers working together to deliver the more than 100 projects, opportunities, and events offered annually through the program.

4-H is unique in that it offers experiences to the most urban young person and youth in rural areas by providing the opportunity to participate in community 4-H clubs, K-12 outreach programs (delivered in school classrooms), day and overnight camps, and other special interest opportunities. North Carolina 4-H serves the sons and daughters of our military personnel through the 4-H Military Program located throughout the state, primarily on military bases.

Youth members can participate in a variety of projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math, healthy living, citizenship and leadership. Beyond the excitement of learning something new through a project, youth have the opportunity to participate in citizenship and leadership conferences, travel the state, become involved in their community through service, and meet new friends in a safe and comfortable setting.

4-H youth are a living, breathing, culture-changing Revolution for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles and pushing our country forward by making a measureable difference right where they live.

If you would like to learn more about 4-H, or have a family member wanting to join 4-H, contact your local Forsyth County Extension Office at 703-2850 or visit their website.