KINGWOOD -— Preston County 4-H Agent David Hartley said celebrating National 4H week this year will be a family experience.
This past summer, 4-H’ers across the state participated in Camp URL (You are Linked). Students, staff and faculty worked to provide virtual programming for youths. From STEM challenges and Cloverbud Clubs, programming was delivered into the homes of youths in West Virginia. Agents helped create lessons and activities that 4-H’ers could attend virtually and complete in their homes.
Hartley said 170 care packages were sent out to registered 4-H participants and their families that included snacks and activities.
He said those who were not yet registered received a summer fun pack of activities.
“We made a decision that each of the families received something,” he said. “We wanted the activities to be more family oriented activities like decorating a door, window or porch for 4-H Week.”
On the website, Brent Clark, director of the WVU Extension Service 4-H Youth Development, said:
“Nationally, 4-H has always provided hands-on activities to youths, but during the past year, those programs evolved into a virtual format to ensure youths are still getting the opportunity to grow and learn. This year, more than ever, we are truly impressed with our 4-H’ers who are inspired to do more to help their communities and their state.”
Hartley said 4-H Week, (the week of Oct. 4), tends to be expanded throughout the month of October, so projects are ongoing.
“Some of the displays our members did can be seen in the windows at the [Preston] Arts Center,” Hartley said.
He said 4-H members are also participating in a 4K walk challenge. They are taking video of their walks.
Hartley said videos can be viewed on the PCWV Facebook page.
“The last activity we will be doing will be a pumpkin decorating contest,” he said.
Hartley said when students enroll in 4-H they choose a project.
“It can be something the student is interested in, anything from STEM, healthy living, gardening or astrophysics,” he said. “We encourage first timers to choose This is 4-H but it can be anything from movies, how to code to photography.”
Hartley said one year someone did a project on how to be a DJ and what was needed educationally wise to pursue this as a career.
Anyone interested in signing up for the 4-H program can call 304-329-1391 and leave a message or talk with a staff member.
Hartley said callers will be sent a packet that will help them enroll in the program.
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