To the editor:

Oct. 2-8 is National 4-H Week. This is the one week set aside to celebrate this youth organization.

For those of us who were involved in the 4-H program as a youth, it is a time to reflect on the great memories made in 4-H, the many lasting friendships or how we can help one more youth learn and achieve success through this program. Have you thought about how you can now help the 4-H program as an alumni – volunteer with a club, help at the fair, share your expertise doing a project workshop or be part of the Youth Committee.

What about having your children and their friends join 4-H? 4-H membership is for youth in fourth through 12th grade. Think they are too busy? Clubs meet once a month unless they have a special citizenship activity they are doing.

Every day, millions of kids across America are leading positive changes, large and small – in their lives, schools and communities. 4-H’ers in Webster County are no exception. They are giving back to their communities in so many ways. They have written grants, partnered with organizations, donated to the Youth Shelter, rang bells for The Salvation Army, collected canned goods for their local food pantries, planted shrubbery at a cemetery, cleaned ditches and parks, packed school bags, assisted with D/SAOC activities, and so much more. By working with others, 4-H’ers have learned to partner, become leaders and learned how to communicate with their peers and adults.

In 4-H, we believe that every child has valuable strengths. We know that every child can grow the confidence they need to realize their dreams and improve the world – to show us all what it means to be a true leader.

Thanks to the 4-H’ers, families, leaders, project leaders, Youth Committee, 4-H Foundation board members and contributors, Fairboard members and everyone else involved with the Webster County 4-H program. You are what makes our 4-H program great.

Linda Cline

Program coordinator

Webster County Extension and Outreach

Fort Dodge