Oct. 4-10 is National 4-H Week, and Freeborn County is celebrating with a display of projects at the Northbridge Mall. Also, listen to KATE 1450 AM radio and 970 AM radio for interviews with our county 4-Hers about the activities that they are actively involved with.

“I have seen so many young kids develop and grow into great leaders from being in the 4-H program here in Freeborn County. It’s amazing to see someone start out in the Cloverbud program and continue on for 10 years and see what they have become,” said Megan Thorson, 4-H program coordinator with Freeborn County 4-H.

“It’s the best thing that youth can participate in and it’s a good family activity. Great lifelong friendships are also developed while being involved with 4-H,” said Wendy Weiss, support staff of University of Minnesota Extension in Freeborn County.

“Your possibilities are endless in 4-H. There is something here for anyone who is involved. You just have to take that first step and like the rest of the Freeborn County 4-H enrollments, you will be hooked on a good thing,” said Amy Wadding, 4-H program coordinator with Freeborn County 4-H.

In Freeborn County, more than 700 4-H members and 150 volunteers are involved in 4-H.

Jake Knutson of the Hartland 4-H Club said, “4-H has really opened a lot of opportunities for me.”

The fundamental 4-H ideal of practical, “learn by doing” experiences encourage youths to experiment, innovate and think independently. 4-H programs are offered through school-based, after-school and 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 Freeborn County, contact Amy Wadding or Megan Thorson, 4-H Program Coordinators, at the University of Minnesota Extension, Freeborn County at 507-377-5660 or mads0150@umn.edu or mthors@umn.edu.

4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of National 4-H Headquarters (USDA). The 4-H programs are implemented by the 106 Land Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension System through its 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Learn more about the 4 H adventure at http://www.fourh.umn.edu.

Amy Wadding is a 4-H program coordinator for Freeborn County.