National 4-H week slated

4-H'ers across the nation are celebrating the 4-H youth development movement's nearly seven million members and more than 600,000 volunteers and their commitment to a world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change during National 4-H Week from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11.

Local clubs are celebrating in a variety of ways including annual Achievement (Award) Nights and community service.

"The Power of YOUth" is the theme of this year's National 4-H Week.

4-H youth development takes knowledge and expertise to youth in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the nation.

4-H volunteer leaders and more than 3,500 professional educators encourage youth ages 5-19 to participate in a variety of activities from aerospace to zoology that emphasize 4-H's "learning by doing" philosophy. Hands-on projects range from citizenship to expressive arts, consumer science, environmental education, leadership, and technology as well as animal and plant sciences.

In the Mat-Su/Copper River District, shooting sports, horse, livestock, teen leadership and crafts projects are particularly popular.

This coming spring will be especially exciting for Alaska 4-H as we will be hosting the Western Regional 4-H Leaders Forum in Anchorage, from March 3-6, 2004.

If you would like information on becoming a 4-H member or leader, contact Lee Hecimovich, 4-H Youth Development Agent at 745-3360.