 4-H provides fun-filled, hands-on experiences under the direction of amazing group leaders. Why should you be in 4-H? In 4-H, you can make many new friends, learn multiple life skills, enter project areas, help others, but most importantly, have fun. 4-H began around the start of the 20th century, when several regions of the country became concerned about the education of young people. They wanted the children to learn hands-on experimental, learning, connecting public school education to country life for the purpose of helping rural youth. Researchers at Land Grant College systems were recognizing that the farming communities were not eagerly accepting the new agricultural discoveries, but wondered if they could encourage youth to experiment and share their ideas. The farming community would be more accepting. Thus, the youth program became a way to introduce new agricultural technology to the adult population. After multiple international 4-H exchanges, the basic 4-H focus became more to personal growth of the member, including life skills to assist youth in becoming contributing, productive, self-directed members of society. The mission of 4-H youth development education is to create supportive learning environments for youth and adults to reach their fullest potential as capable. Competent and caring citizens. The 4-H pledge is recited at every 4-H meeting defines the meaning of the 4 Hs. The pledge states, I pledge my head to clear thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands for larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world. Youth ages 5 through 7 are considered clover buds and are encouraged to participate, but not at a competitive level. Youth ages 8 through 18 are considered full-fledged members and can participate in all age-appropriate county, state, and national events. There are currently 10 clubs in Grand Forks County. They are located in Thompson, Northwood, and Morado, Grand Forks, and Grand Forks Air Force Base. There are 4 county requirements. They are attend at least 6 club meetings. Enroll in and complete one 4-H project. Turn in completed project records to your club leader at the end of a 4-H year, and participate in at least 2 county-sponsored events during the 4-H year. A project is a certain topic that a 4-H member can enroll in and present as a project lesson during a club meeting. These projects can fall in categories such as Animal Science, Personal Development, Leisure Arts, Family and Consumer Science, Environmental Education, Science, Engineering, and Technology. Some of the county 4-H events are the Greater Grand Forks Fair, Project Expo, Funworks, Follies, Communication Arts, Speech and Demo, Consumer Choices, Clothing Review, and various fundraisers. The Greater Grand Forks Fair allows 4-H members to exhibit their projects they have prepared throughout the year. Each project is interviewed, judged, and categorized in 4-H divisions. Some are static exhibits such as leisure arts or baking, and some are animal exhibits such as dogs, sheep, and horses. Rubin and premium prize money are awarded to all exhibitors. Project Expo provides youth experience in preparing and displaying in educational exhibit. The 4-H member selects the topic directly related to a 4-H project in which they are currently enrolled. Then they share what they have learned in the special project with others. There is a first-year division, a pre-teen division for ages 8-12, and a teen division for ages 13-18. Funworks is an open event to children ages 8 and up. Enrollment in a 4-H club is optional. The event consists of multiple stations of educational events including electricity, sewing, cooking, crafts, and painting. The event is meant to foster education and promote 4-H to friends. Follies is an event designed to allow 4-H clubs to share their performance talents by presenting a skit, instrumental talent, poetic reading, or other entertaining productions. The event is usually held in area nursing homes to share abilities with the elderly community. Communication Arts, also known as Speech & Demo, is an event where participants work on their communication skills by collecting and organizing information and presenting it in a speech or demonstration category. Topic areas include commercial, broadcasting, short take, interpretive reading, demonstration food, or demonstration other. Consumer Choices uses the 4-H member's knowledge of consumer products to determine the best purchase in a certain situation. This is an individual event working to develop decision-making skills. Clothing Review is a 4-H showcase event with three categories of Sew and Show, Buy and Show, and Decorate Your Duds. Sew and Show is where a 4-H member constructs a total outfit, selects accessories, and models the outfit for judging. Buy and Show is where 4-H members purchase a major item of clothing related to a wardrobe plan with respect to fashion, coordination, and cost. Decorate Your Duds is when a 4-H member embellishes a garment for judging. Fundraisers are held throughout the year to assist the county 4-H programs purchase awards, ribbons, and participation gifts, without the county requiring member dues. All the members are encouraged to support the fundraising activities. Many of these events are held at the Greater Grand Forks Fair and include a raffle, pie and ice cream social, and mini golf. For 4-H members 13 years and older, the youth leadership team is an option. This group meets monthly for training in leadership and social experiences. The membership establishes their own goals and support community services, exchange trips, and county 4-H promotional events. The North Dakota State Fair is an annual event at the State Fair Grounds in Minot. There are a number of state 4-H state contests and events. 4-H members are invited to exhibit their blue ribbon projects for the county fair and or compete in state contests after qualifying at a county level event. State contests include consumer choices, clothing review, and Project Expo. In addition to several North Dakota 4-H foundation scholarship opportunities, there are national events to attend as well. Other activities offering fun, excitement, and opportunities for learning include after-school programs, the apology team, livestock camp, North Dakota winter show, potato bowl parade, western 4-H camp, crop judging, the aerospace camp, a junior master gardening program, and many shooting sports. In conclusion, when you join 4-H you can discover your hidden talents, you can build self-confidence, and lasting friendships. By joining 4-H you can learn valuable life lessons and enjoy a chance to learn and grow. Explore the world with your friends, appreciate new activities, and pump up your creativity and imagination. Through all this you can truly follow the 4-H motto to make the best better.