VALLEY—4-H clubs around the San Luis Valley are currently recruiting new members. 4-H, the country’s largest youth development organization, provides fun, educational opportunities for youth, and teaches them valuable life skills through community club meetings and engaging project work. New members can enroll through March 31.

4-H is a great opportunity for young people to explore subject areas they are interested in. A lot of people think 4-H is just about animals and agriculture, but it’s much more. We have more than 50 projects for kids to participate in, from photography to model rocketry to cake decorating to archery. Youth participants can learn things as varied as how to train and show their dog, how to braid leather, or how to cook and bake.

Some of our most popular projects in the Valley are related to livestock. Youth interested in learning how to raise and show an animal can get started with a small animal like a rabbit or chicken. Families with more space or ambition can raise swine, sheep or goats.

The 4-H program is a volunteer-led organization that reaches youth through a variety of programs. Traditional 4-H members participate in local clubs, where they work on projects, take on leadership responsibilities, practice public speaking, do community service, and develop life skills. Youth have the option of showing off their project work at the San Luis Valley Fair, August 5-12. The program is open to all youth ages 8 to 18. Currently more than 250 youth participate in 4-H in the San Luis Valley through 11 active community clubs.

In addition to project learning and club participation, 4-H members have the opportunity to attend workshops, camps and conferences at the local, state and national level, and participate in education and outreach efforts. Through all of these opportunities, youth improve their self-confidence, learn subject matter, and develop important skills including leadership, citizenship, communication, and decision making – all of which can help them be successful in the classroom and the workplace.

4-H enrollment is $25 per year, and $5 per project. Enrollment fees cover the majority of project manuals and general administrative fees. Scholarships are available for families with limited resources. Enrollment takes place through the 4HOnline system at https://co.4honline.com.

For more information on the 4-H youth development program, drop by the Extension office at 1899 E Hwy 160 in Monte Vista Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., visit the San Luis Valley website at http://sanluisvalley.colostate.edu, call 719-852-7381, or email [email protected].

Amy Henschen is the 4-H Youth Development Agent for Colorado State University Extension. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.