National 4-H Week to be celebrated Oct. 7 – 13
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EmailDuring the week of Oct. 7-13, millions of 4-H youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country will join together for the 76th consecutive National 4-H Week celebration.
For the 76th consecutive year, millions of 4-H youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country will celebrate National 4-H Week from October 7-13. This year's theme, Inspire Kids to Do, is a campaign that will give kids more opportunities to do, empowering them with the skills they need to succeed in life and their future career.
4-H was founded on the belief that when kids are empowered to pursue their passions and chart their own course, their unique skills grow and take shape, helping them to become true leaders in their lives, careers and communities. In Michigan, this program is operated by Michigan State University Extension.
“4-H is all about exploring what interests and excites you, while also developing your skills and knowledge,” said Jake DeDecker, acting state 4-H leader for Michigan 4-H. “For more than 100 years, we’ve been growing youth through 4-H and we’re excited to recognize the impact of our program, the hundreds of thousands of alumni, and our current 4-H’ers and volunteers during National 4-H Week.”
Each year, more than 200,000 youth aged 5 to 19 participate in Michigan 4-H through a wide-variety of fun, hands-on, educational opportunities. The largest youth development program in the state, Michigan 4-H programs range from science and technology to clothing and textiles, and so much more. Supported by a network of 16,000 caring adult volunteers, Michigan 4-H provides young people the skills they need to lead for a lifetime and become the foundation for future success.
Among the first to recognize the significant positive impact of 4-H are 4-H alumni across the state. Research has shown that young people in 4-H are nearly four times as likely to contribute to their communities and are twice as likely to engage in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs during after school time.
During National 4-H Week, 4-H alumni and supporters, as well as current youth and volunteers, are encouraged to spread the word about 4-H in an effort to meet the national goal of reaching 1 million doers. To take part, simply share the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people on your social media channels and with individuals in your community.
Another opportunity to highlight 4-H pride during National 4-H Week is during 4-H Spirit Day, taking place Tuesday, Oct. 9. Wear your 4-H apparel throughout the community on this day to inspire youth to be true leaders through hands-on doing.
In addition to national and statewide events, local county 4-H programs will mark the National 4-H Week celebration with their own unique events and engagement opportunities. To learn more about Michigan 4-H at the local level, visit http://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/index.
