National 4-H Week

It’s officially October and when most people think of October they think of Halloween. One of the many things people do at Halloween is carving pumpkins. If you are out of ideas on what to carve on your pumpkin this year, maybe think of carving the 4-H symbol. National 4-H Week takes place in October each year. This year it is celebrated from October 6th to October 12th. In 1902, nearly 117 years ago, 4-H started with small community clubs to help solve agricultural challenges and teach the youth more about the industries within their community. Today, 4-H is one of the largest youth development organizations around with over six million members worldwide. This organization helps people in rural, urban, and suburban communities in every state across the nation gain the skills needed to influence and improve the world around them. National 4-H week showcases and celebrates everything 4-H members have done throughout the year; along with showing the incredible experiences 4-H offers young people.

Everyone who has been in 4-H has a favorite 4-H memory, whether it was in the show ring at fair with that special animal that was a part of their heart and soul that year; or simply attending fun county 4-H activities, or possibly even the craziness that happens behind the scenes at home in preparation with their projects. The entire 4-H year can be pretty hectic and there can be a lot of memorable experiences that make it hard to choose a favorite. To start the 4-H year off each fall, you have a new members activity, which can consist of a club bonfire or something to get new members involved and excited to join. Next comes a Christmas party and a winter activity that is usually bowling. Then comes some people's favorite, county 4-H basketball tournaments, where a bunch of farm kids trade their jeans and boots in for basketball shoes and shorts. It has always been one of my favorite activities to watch and participate in. Once this is over in the spring, you start to get into the fair mode. This is when patience starts to wear thin, deadlines draw near, animals have to be broke to lead, projects need to be finished, and reports have to be typed. Eventually all that hard work, time, sweat and maybe even a few little tears will turn into a job well done and hopefully a big purple ribbon, or at least a lot of learning and growing.


All in all, 4-H is an amazing organization that I am proud to be a part of. I have made countless memories that I will never forget and tons of friends that I will have for a lifetime. As you each reminisce about your favorite 4-H memory, I wish you all a happy National 4-H Week and the best of luck on your pumpkin carving this fall.


~ Kesley Holdgrafer