4-H is preparing youth for the challenges of life
Local
clubs observe National 4-H Week
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[October
11, 2013]
Logan County youth are joining
the more than 7 million other 4-H members across the nation in
celebration of National 4-H Week Oct. 6-12. The Logan County program
involves more than 261 youth and 112 volunteer leaders in organized
community and special interest clubs, known as SPIN clubs, operating
in all areas of the county.
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Last year, 261 young people in Logan County, ranging in age from 5
to 18, were involved in 4-H community/SPIN clubs where, assisted by
volunteer adult leaders, they learned about projects, careers,
leadership and public speaking. The 4-H club members also support
their local community through service projects such as making and
delivering baskets for seniors, making shoeboxes for Operation
Christmas Child and collecting dog food and treats to help with
animal control. Concrete, independent research proves the positive
impact of 4-H membership on the lives of young people. Statistics
show that 4-H members are nearly three times more likely to spend
time exercising or being physically active than non-4-H members and
have significantly lower drug, alcohol and cigarette use than their
peers.
In addition, 4-Hers are nearly five times more likely to graduate
from college and nearly two times more likely to pursue a career in
science, engineering or computer technology.
A Tuft University study also showed that 4-H youth are nearly two
times more likely to actively contribute to their community when
compared with non-4-H youth, and 4-Hers are 2 1/2 times more likely
to participate in civic activities.
Logan County residents only need to look at this year's 4-H
member stories to see the truth in these national statistics.
Logan County native Rachel Skelton, a member of the 4-H Illinois
Youth Leadership Team, said: "4-H is so much more than a club for
farm kids. The 4-H image has changed significantly since I joined
and now includes projects with a focus on community, technology,
engineering and health. 4-H has helped me learn life skills, given
me a change to become more responsible, taught me about leadership
and helped me contribute to my community."
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Alyssa Zimmer, a Cloverdale 4-H member, said: "Being involved in
4-H led both my parents toward their career choices. Now my brother
is in college studying something that he initially become interested
in during his time in 4-H. Now I am left wondering what will be in
my future. Through my work with 4-H Summer Nutrition Camp, I found
that I enjoy working with children. They brought a lot of fun to my
summer, and I miss them very much. I think that teaching could be in
my future!"
Cameron Jodlowski, a 10-year member of the Atlanta Town and
Country 4-H Club, is studying agricultural communications at Iowa
State this fall. He said he has seen his progression in
understanding responsibility, leadership and the value of hard work
through his 4-H dairy goat project.
To learn more about joining 4-H, contact University of Illinois
Extension in Logan County at 217-732-8289 or email Carissa Akpore at
akpore@illinois.edu.
[Text from file received from
University of Illinois Extension,
Logan
County 4-H]
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