Washington County, one of the top 10 largest 4-H programs in the state, is celebrating National 4-H Week. Last year, the local program had 376 fourth through 12th-grade students, and 190 kindergarten through third-grade students in Clover Kids. 4-H is kicking off a new year this month and enrollment is open.

Washington County 4-H alumna Ann Williams of Farm Bureau Financial Services encourages youth to get involved, “I always tell people that if their children have an opportunity to participate in 4-H that it will change them and really mold them into being a better citizen as an adult. 4-H really taught me a lot of things. In our girls’ club they taught us how to give presentations. I vividly remember doing that at the fair for people that would come and listen to us. And then also it taught us about how to do record books – how did you write a goal, how did you track that goal, also the financial side of it.”

Several special events are being held to celebrate National 4-H Week including social media contests for 4-Hers to share their stories and challenge competitions. There are also locker signs in the schools and a coloring contest open through Saturday afternoon. Look for 4-H members wearing green and 4-H gear on Wednesday.

For more information about 4-H or to sign up, contact the Washington County Extension Office at (319)653-4811.