UW Extension Leads Weeklong Effort to Celebrate 4-H, Starting with Governor’s Proclamation

University of Wyoming Extension invites Wyoming residents across the state to celebrate National 4-H Week, which runs through Saturday, Oct. 11.

In Wyoming, the event kicked off with the signing of a proclamation by Gov. Mark Gordon Monday, Oct. 6, at the State Capitol in Cheyenne.

The proclamation recognizes the Wyoming 4-H Youth Development Program, administered by UW Extension, for its pivotal role in empowering Wyoming's future leaders.

"With more than a century of history in our state, 4-H continues to strengthen rural and urban communities by engaging young people in hands-on experiences in agriculture, science, healthy living and civic involvement," says Samantha Krieger, Wyoming 4-H program leader. "Recognizing National 4-H Week highlights the dedication of our youth, volunteers and educators, while encouraging all Wyoming citizens to support the next generation of leaders."

Wyoming 4-H reaches thousands of youth annually through clubs, camps, after-school programs, local and state fairs, national leadership experiences, and even international trips. Programming is available in every Wyoming county and on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

With the support of extension educators and volunteers, 4-H'ers explore project areas ranging from livestock showing, woodworking and cooking to public speaking, robotics and photography. Through these projects, youth connect with trusted mentors, develop lifelong leadership skills and engage in meaningful community service.

National 4-H Week provides an opportunity to both welcome new members into the 4-H community and highlight the accomplishments of returning members.

"I have seen, firsthand, how 4-H shapes Wyoming youth into confident, capable leaders," Krieger says. "National 4-H Week is an exciting opportunity to celebrate these accomplishments while encouraging more youth to join this vibrant, life-changing program."

This year, the event's theme is "Beyond Ready," a nod to the many ways that 4-H provides youth with the tools they need to succeed -- now and in the future.

To celebrate, UW Extension staff members and 4-H volunteers are coordinating efforts that include statewide service projects, bingo activity cards and holiday card contests.

To join Wyoming 4-H or get involved in the week's festivities, visit www.uwyo.edu/4-h or contact a local UW Extension office. Contact information for county offices can be found at www.uwyo.edu/uwe/uwe-county-offices.html.

About University of Wyoming Extension

UW Extension serves Wyoming communities by helping residents apply university research and resources to practical problems. Since 1914, UW Extension has provided educational programs and tools to the state's 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. From 4-H programming and pesticide safety education to food preservation and nutrition courses, Extension upholds the university's land-grant mission by offering learning opportunities for people of all ages. UW Extension staff members help Wyoming residents boost agricultural production, care for lawns and gardens, cultivate future leaders, support individual and community well-being, and develop thriving businesses. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe or call (307) 766-5124.