Annual 4-H enrollment offers youth an opportunity to build robots, raise chickens

As monsoon wanes and temperatures begin to dip, a lot of Arizona families think about the return of school days and pumpkin spice latte.

But for 6,000-plus youths and volunteers across the state, fall includes a bonus – national 4-H Week, which this year is October 5-11. Nationwide, more than 6 million kids, 3,500 educators and 500,000 volunteers will launch a new year of preparing youth to be Beyond Ready for life and career.

As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers young people with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030, according to a news release.

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“At a time when young people are navigating more uncertainty than ever, 4-H offers a place to grow, lead and find their spark,” said Jill Bramble, president & CEO of the National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth gain real-world skills and experiences to help them become leaders who are resilient, confident and Beyond Ready for the future.”

Contrary to a popular misconception, 4-H is not just about agriculture. There is much more. There are more than 200 projects to choose from in Arizona 4-H.

Arizona has opportunities for youth interested in government, robotics and shooting sports. Kids can even create their own projects, if none exists in their area of interest, said Todd Kesner, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension associate director for 4-H.

“One of our greatest strengths is that 4-H is different everywhere and very customizable,” Kesner said.

On the Hopi Reservation, where jobs are scarce, Arizona 4-H launched a welding project that prepares youth for potential employment. Programming differs community to community, but all projects and programs give youth a chance to learn persistence, teamwork and communication.

Scores of U.S. leaders, entertainers and other celebrities are 4-H alumni. Former President Jimmy Carter and former vice-presidents Al Gore and Walter Mondale were members, as were novelist John Updike, actress Julia Roberts and legendary musician Johnny Cash. Jackie Onassis Kennedy raised a calf in 4-H, and singer-songwriter Jennifer Nettles is an official spokesperson for the organization.

“There are 6 million kids enrolled every year, so there are a tremendous number of adults who have a background in 4-H,” Kesner said.

Anyone from age 5 to 19 can join, though the process varies slightly county to county. Check out offerings on our 4-H web page, then contact the Cooperative Extension office in your county for details on how to join.

“We encourage the parents to be involved with the kids. Having families work together on projects strengthens the community,” Kesner said.

Ultimately the goal of all 4-H programs is preparing youth for whatever life throws their way – whether it’s education or employment – and building community by involving youth in theirs, Kesner said.

“It helps kids feel like they’re partners in the betterment of their own communities. It prepares them for being plugged into whatever community they become part of as adults.”

4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are more likely to contribute to their communities, want to be leaders, report living with intention and purpose, and participate in community service.

For information about joining 4-H, see our membership page here. To make a tax-deductible donation to 4-H, see the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation website. See this webpage to complete an application to be a 4-H adult volunteer.