Youth ages 8 to 18 are invited to join 4-H, the country’s largest youth development program. The organization provides fun, educational opportunities for youth through community club meetings and engaging project work. New members have until March 31 to enroll if they’d like to participate in 4-H and in the San Luis Valley Fair this summer.

4-H is a great opportunity for young people to explore subject areas they are interested in. There are more than 45 projects for kids to participate in, from woodworking to sewing to cake decorating to archery. Youth participants can learn things as varied as how to train their dog, how to build a model rocket, or how to bake.

Animal projects are also available, and are some of the most popular projects in the San Luis Valley. Through the program, youth can learn how to ride horses, or raise a variety of livestock. Kids 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.

4-H members have the option of showing off their project work at the San Luis Valley Fair, August 3-10. This event features livestock, horse, and dog shows, and a livestock sale for animal project members. Youth in non-animal projects also bring finished projects to get judged and displayed.

In addition to project learning, 4-H members have the opportunity to attend local and national workshops, camps and conferences. Through all of these opportunities, youth improve their self-confidence, learn subject matter, and develop important skills like leadership, communication, and decision making. These skills help 4-Hers be successful in the classroom and the workplace.

The 4-H program is a volunteer-led organization. Adult volunteer leaders lead local clubs. At club meetings kids meet to work on projects, and practice public speaking by doing project-related demonstrations. Clubs also organize community service projects, and offer kids opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities. Youth officers help lead the meetings and plan club activities.

Fifteen clubs meet monthly in communities around the Valley. This allows youth to join a club that fits their interests, needs, and schedule. The 4-H program is open to all youth ages 8 to 18. Currently more than 250 youth participate locally.

4-H enrollment is $25 per year, and $5 per project. 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 visit http://sanluisvalley.colostate.edu, contact the San Luis Valley Extension office at 719-852-7381 or [email protected], or drop in at 1899 E. Hwy 160 in Monte Vista. 4-H is a cooperative effort between Colorado State University Extension and Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache counties. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.