The Nearman 4-H Community Club in Wyandotte County recently held a food drive, collecting food donations to deliver to Vaughn Trent Community Service Inc. in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
4-H members assisted in the collection of items, and gave back to their community. Vaughn Trent is a social services agency that serves residents in the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Public School district.
Part of the 4-H pledge is “Hands through larger service” – a commitment to make communities a better place to live. In 4-H, that means giving back to the community through community service, according to 4-H All 4-H members are encouraged to participate in community service projects, but it is not required. In Wyandotte County 4-H, members find a need in their community and come up with a creative solution for how they can help, the spokesman stated.
Wyandotte County’s 4-H youth development program is one of many 4-H programs offered nationwide through the Cooperative Extension system via land-grant universities such as Kansas State University. Passage of the Smith Lever Act in 1914 nationalized 4-H and by 1924, 4-H clubs were formed and the clover emblem was adopted.
Developing important life-skills through hands- on learning educational programs, 4-H youth development programs are engaging and challenging youth to reach their fullest potential as they become leaders in their communities.
Unlike other youth organizations, 4-H doesn’t require a uniform and there are no national fees. Children select their 4-H education project, therefore they can choose one that works well within a family’s budget. 4-H programs and clubs typically meet once per week or once per month, although some may choose to meet more or less frequently. 4-H programs are available for children ages 8-18.
For more information on the Wyandotte County 4-H program visit, www.wyandotte.ksu.edu or contact 4-H staff at 913-299-9300, Ext. 116, [email protected]. The local office is located at K-State Research and Extension, 1216 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kansas.
- Information from Debra Sweeten, WyCo 4-H program assistant