Anyone who has spent time around 4-H youth who participate in county fairs can see that the overwhelming majority of them are good kids.

4-H gives children the opportunity to learn about responsibility and leadership by participating in various projects, like showing goats or chickens or any other species.

The 4-H’ers put in long hours making sure their animals are well fed, healthy and ready to be at their best by the time they hit the show arena.

Many youth work on their projects year round, putting in the same type of effort that elite athletes do to make sure their bodies are in peak condition.

All this leaves little time for the idleness that can sometimes get kids in trouble.

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development program, empowering some six million children and young adults throughout the United States.

We encourage anyone looking for a good program for their children to at least give 4-H a try.

The effect 4-H has on children is very positive.

In fact, a decade-long study into its effects on kids found that 4-H youth excel beyond their peers. 4-H’ers are about:

– Four times more likely to make contributions to their communities (Grades 7-12);

– Two times more likely to be civically active (Grades 8-12);

– Two times more likely to make healthier choices (Grade 7);

– Two times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering and Computer Technology programs during out-of-school time (Grades 10 – 12); and

– 4-H girls are two times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly three times more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities.

For more information about 4-H and to find programs in your area, visit www.4-h.org.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.