If you’ve been to the county or state fair and spent any time in the animal exhibits, you know them well: the super polite, boot-wearing miniature livestock handlers from the local 4-H clubs.
Granted, 4-H is about more than just the animals, but it’s always these kids who make the biggest impression on me. My favorite are the 95-pound pig handlers who are calmly ushering an animal twice their weight around an arena. And if you’ve ever talked to these kids, they seem to know a thing or two about what they’re doing. In Flathead County, there are 570 4-H members and 150 volunteers, according to the agricultural extension office.
So go ahead and help them celebrate with National 4-H Week in the Flathead, running from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10. This week, several area businesses will have 4-H displays in their windows. It’s also a time to explore the opportunities 4-H could offer.
The fundamental 4-H ideal of practical, “learn by doing” experiences encourage youth to experiment,
innovate and think independently. 4-H programs are offered through after-school, camp settings and
within community clubs.You can join the 4-H community today. To learn how to become a 4-H member or volunteer leader in
Flathead County, contact Karole Sommerfield, 4-H and Youth Development Agent, at the Montana State
University Extension Office at 758-5553 or [email protected]
Give them a call if you’re interested. For more info on 4-H in general, visit the Web site.