When most people think of 4-H they think of farm animals and county fairs, but it is more than just that. 4-H is an opportunity for children and teens to experience and learn about leadership and responsibility and how to use both to improve their community. No matter what interests you, 4-H has it.

4-H uses the four Hs (head, heart, hands and health) to guide how members learn and develop new leadership skills. Head represents clearer thinking, planning, decision making and problem solving. Heart represents communication and empathy with others as well as self-awareness. Hands represent willingness to help others both through community service and through inclusivity. Health represents taking care of your body and mind so that you can continue to live a healthy life.

In 4-H members do hands-on activities to help those around them while also learning about themselves and the world. These activities take many forms. Whether it be doing community service, working summer camp, raising a farm animal, or just completing a project book, there is something for everyone. All of these activities teach responsibility and help members to meet others who have the same interests as them. 

“We do different things around the community and then there’s the showcase where you show your animals and your projects, all that stuff,” said junior and Wood County 4-H member Lilly Skinner. “You get all these different experiences and you can get scholarships and stuff too. It’s really fun.”

A good way to meet members and learn about 4-H is to go to Wood County 4-H Older Camp in June. At camp teens get to stay overnight for a week at the Wood County 4-H Campgrounds and participate in many fun games and activities. Campers get to choose classes, sing songs, and learn about the traditions of Wood County 4-H camp. 

If you are interested in joining 4-H or going to camp, call the WVU Wood County Extension office at 304-424-1960 or visit their website to figure out which club to join and how to register.