Now Is The Time To Join 4-H

by Johanna Hicks

Interested in Joining 4-H?  Now is the Time!

4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States.  In Texas, more than 550,000 youth are involved in 4-H experiences each year and we are pleased to announce that enrollment for the 2017/2018 year is now open.

4-H is a national organization which helps young people develop life-long knowledge and skills them “learn by doing.”  It reaches people in their own communities with delivery methods suitable to their needs.  4-H also help to provide opportunities for families and communities to develop stronger bonds.

The 4-H program is a voluntary, non-formal, educational program offered to all youth regardless of race, color, national origin, residence, or handicap.  The Texas 4-H program is conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.  County and district 4-H programs re directed by Extension staff which also provides training and support to volunteers who work with 4-H members.

Young people in 4-H learn about citizenship, leadership, foods and nutrition, healthy lifestyles, veterinary sciences, horticulture, agriculture, clothing and textiles, public speaking, shooting sports, and other subjects.  The 4-H project that each member selects according to their interest and ability is the program’s cornerstone.  The skills and knowledge learned in 4-H project work help members become more engaged individuals and citizens.

Favorite projects for Hopkins County 4-H members are foods & nutrition, clothing & textiles, horticulture, STEM, shooting sports, photography, leadership, and livestock projects.

So, what are the 4 “H’s?”  They are best explained in the organization’s pledge, which every 4-H member learns:

I pledge

My Head to clearer thinking,

My Heart to greater loyalty,

My Hands to larger service and

My Health to better living for

My club, my community,

My Country and my world.

You might hear that 4-H if for kids who live on farms and raise animals.  Not true!  There are clubs all over the country with members who have never seen a cow or a chicken.  Today’s 4-H’ers are boys and girls in grades 3 thru 12.  They live on farms, in small towns, and in large cities.  They join 4-H because it is fun, it provides lots of great opportunities.

The 4-H year goes from September 1st to August 31st, and the fee to join is $20 (before November 1st – after that it goes up to $25).  Some projects might cost something to get started – like if you want to have an animal or own your own sewing machine.

To join, log onto https://texas.4honline.com and follow the on-screen instructions.  If you have trouble, contact our office.  Returning members only need to log on and update their profile.  New members will need to set up a profile.

There are five 4-H clubs in Hopkins County:

–          Arbala Harvest meets the 3rd Monday of each month at the Arbala Community Center, 6:00 p.m.

–          Dike 4-H meets the 1st Saturday at the Dike Community Center, 10:00 a.m.

–          Infinity 4-H meets the 2nd Monday at the Extension Office, 6:00 p.m.

–          Miller Grove meets the 1st Tuesday at the Miller Grove School, at 3:30 p.m.

–          Paws 4-H is a school-based club that meets at Sulphur Springs Elementary for grades 3 & 4) at 3:15 p.m.

If you need to contact one of the 4-H club managers, call our office and we’ll give you their names and contact information.  We have some great opportunities lined up for the fall, including a 4-H Foods Fun Day, National 4-H Week activities, 4-H project Show, One-Day 4-H Community Service project, and county-wide 4-H Christmas party.  Contact the Extension office at 903-885-3443 for more information.

Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop

This is the final reminder for this terrific workshop, scheduled for Saturday, August 26.  It will be held at the Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, starting at 8:30 a.m.  We’ll wrap up around 3:30 p.m. and lunch and refreshments are included.  Engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 when applying for a marriage license (that is the state portion of the fee.)  Best of all, the workshop is free to participants!  Each couple will receive a workbook, as well as lots of great information.  The workshop is fun and interactive, and is sure to please even the toughest critic!

Please contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to reserve seats.

Closing Thought

Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders.  Train them to be caring, upright, healthy, responsible citizens!

Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]

Author: Staff Reporter

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