New 4-H year begins this month

September is here and that means a new 4-H year! 4-H is a program that enhances life skills in kids ages 5 through 18 (Kids must be these ages by September 1 of the current year to enroll). The four H’s stand for Head, Heart, Hands and Health.

The 4-H Pledge is, “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.”

Kids not only learn valuable life skills through projects and activities, but also commit to volunteering. Some of our annual volunteer events include: a food drive in October during 4-H week, trash pick up around town, ditch cleaning and helping with various events when asked and volunteers are available.

There are two different member classifications. Cloverbuds (ages 5-7 by September 1) and member (ages 8-18 by September 1). These classifications often help us determine age-appropriate activities for club meetings.

Eddy County currently has two active 4-H clubs – Trail Riders and Eddy County Shooting Sports and Outdoor Recreation Clubs may have dues that each Cloverbud and member contribute each year to help offset club activity costs.

The county hosts several events throughout the year as well that the kids can participate in including but not limited to: District Communication Arts, Decorating at LHGS, Achievement Days, Round Up (Awards Night), Project Expo, Consumer Science and Decision Making, End of Tear Shoot Out and more.

Eddy County 4-H has a few regular fundraisers each year. The first being serving our Roast Beef Dinner on the Saturday and Sunday of Central North Dakota Steam Threshers Reunion weekend every September. At Steam Threshers, we also hold our annual raffle and silent auction. This year, silent auction items will consist of baskets/items that can be used to create a project in an area of interest for the kids. An example might be a diamond art kit, a painting basket, cookies in a jar, fishing lure kit, etc. Occasionally, we may have an additional fundraiser or two pop up. To all the citizens that have supported and continue to support 4-H, we thank you for your generosity from the bottom of our hearts.

Enrollment dates for new Cloverbud and members are September 6–December 31, 2024. Re-enrollment dates for existing Cloverbud and members are September 6–October 15. Registration is done online through 4honline.com. Existing members use your log in, new members, create an account.

If you have any questions, you can contact Tiffany Munson at the Eddy County Extension Office at 701-947-2454.