National 4-H week Oct. 7-13

October 7-13 is National 4-H Week, and Wise County is celebrating the 4-H youth who have made an impact on the community, and are stepping up to the challenges of a complex and changing world. On October 11^th at 6:00pm at David’s, 4-H youth will connect with the community by holding a fashion show.

Each year, David’s graciously lets the Wise County 4-H program host a fashion show in honor of the National 4-H week. 4-H members sign up at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for fitting times on October 10^th and on Thursday 4-H members arrive and prepare for the fashion show. During the fashion show, a short commentary is given about the 4-H member and their selected garments. Clover kids, youth kindergarten – 2^nd grade, are also able to participate in this event and have a blast each year.

“4-H has taught me many things. It has helped me grow into a leader and the person I am today. Through 4-H I had the opportunity to organize the community service project Nike Re-Use A Shoe and we collected over 300 shoes that will be turned in to playground surfaces “ said Wise County 4-H Member, Caitlin Pruett.

Recent findings from Tufts University's 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-H'ers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities. In Wise County, more than 420 4-H members and 60 volunteers are involved in 4‑H last year.

Also during National 4-H Week, hundreds of thousands of youth from all around the nation will complete a single, innovative experiment on 4-H National Youth Science Day, which will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The 2012 National Science Experiment, 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge, explores how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment, while offering a glimpse into the future of science, technology, engineering and math. Join us at the Extension office at 5:30pm as Wise County 4-H members and potential new members strive to complete the Eco Bot Challenge. To participate, call the Extension office (940-627-3341) to sign up.

4-H clubs around the county will also decorate a local store front, post office, or display case at the library or school in celebration of National 4-H week. Please take the opportunity to check out their hard work!

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 measurable difference right where they live. Learn how you can Join the Revolution of Responsibility at 4-H.org/revolution, or contact Chrissy Karrer, County Extension Agent, 4-H and Youth Development at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Wise County at 940-627-3341 or cmkarrer@ag.tamu.edu.