To the editor:

National 4-H Week is Oct. 2-8. I cannot express strongly enough what a fantastic, useful and educational program 4-H is in our community and around the country.

A common misconception is that 4-H is just for farm kids. While showing livestock is definitely one aspect of 4-H, kids can be involved in a wide array of different activities. Other animal project areas include cat, dog, rabbit, poultry and pets/hobby animals. Photography, aerospace, home improvement, visual art, food and nutrition, shooting sports and clothing are just a few of other project areas 4-H’ers in which 4-H’ers can participate.

4-H provides our youths opportunities to develop vital skills in leadership, citizenship, organization, and perhaps most importantly self-confidence. The 4-H’ers in my family in just this past year helped serve the annual Honor Flight dinner, gave educational presentations at their local club meetings, took several projects to the Webster County Fair, wrote a grant proposal to build cat beds for Almost Home, worked the foodstand at the monthly Hillbilly Sale to earn points toward a trip to Washington, D.C., went to archery and shotgun competitions, helped at Little Hands on the Farm at the Iowa State Fair, stayed overnight at the Omaha Zoo and attended Junior Camp in Madrid and the Youth Conference on the Iowa State campus.

Another amazing aspect of the 4-H program are the adults who volunteer their time to be club leaders, project area leaders, and youth committee members. This gives 4-H’ers the opportunity to work with and learn from adults and have positive role models.

I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to join 4-H.

The Webster County Extension office is located in the Crossroads Mall and you can contact them at 576-2119 for more information.

Alma Boro

Fort Didge