By Kate Pittack/Extension 4-H Agent
Where did the month of February go? I seem to have misplaced it on my calendar. March is here and things are going full steam ahead in preparation for the Henderson County Livestock (and project) Show. Sometimes people automatically think “animals” when they hear 4-H. While it’s true that the foundations of the 4-H program were built on animals and agriculture the program has branched out to offer projects in all different areas that youth can participate in no matter where they live.
I think it is natural for any program that has been in existence for 114 years to evolve and adapt to changes and trends. One thing that hasn’t changed over the years, is one of the basic purposes of the program – personal achievement and growth.
All 4-H educational experiences are built around life skills that center on positive self-esteem, communication and decision making. Citizenship and leadership skills, learning how to learn, and the ability to cope with change are also a key component to 4-H. Life skills are built into 4-H projects, activities, and events that help participants become contributing, productive, self-directed members of society (www.4-h.org/about).
While I mentioned above that things are in full swing for the county-wide livestock show, our 4-H Robotics project is also moving right along. We’re meeting again on Thursday, March 10, starting at 6 p.m. in the Henderson County Sr. Citizens Building located right next to Fair Park. All youth ages 8-18 in the 3rd – 12th grades are welcome to attend (even if you haven’t joined us previously). Some other upcoming dates/events include:
- Tuesday, March 8 – HCLS Entry Deadline (All 4-H members should have already submitted
their entries to their club managers) please call us if you have
questions/concerns. - Friday, March 11 – Entry Deadline for 4-H Roundup/Fashion Contests
- Tuesday, March 15 – HCLS Calf Scramble Planning Meeting, 6 p.m. in the Extension Conference Room, 3rd Floor of Courthouse (anyone who would like to help with the event is welcome to attend!
- Saturday, March 19 – 4-H Roundup & Fashion Contests
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Kate Pittack is the Henderson County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Contact her at: [email protected] & visit our webpage at http://henderson.agrilife.org