4-H Youth Development

The Mason County 4-H and Youth Development program continues to grow, thanks in part, to increased networking with various groups and organizations. Over 2000 local youth contacts experienced 4-H Youth Development programming as part of a 4-H Community Club, or by participating in special interest groups or school enrichment activities.

4-H Community Clubs ... continue to be a viable part of Mason County Extension with eight community clubs involving more than 180 youth and 108 volunteers. 4-H members prepared 620 exhibits for the annual county fair to exemplify the knowledge they have gained. Through community service 4-H youth assisted the elderly, disabled and persons less fortunate, as well as helped with county-wide environmental endeavors. Many youth were enriched through 4-H workshops in livestock and foods. 4-H Federation participated in the Havana All Town Yard Sale, built a float for the Santa Parade and took a trip to Fun City in Burlington, Iowa.

The 4-H Community Club program and FNP Program have collaborated to present nutrition information on My Pyramid at Health Fairs, Family Walk Day, Safe Trick-or-Treat Night, and Super Saturday event, as well as exploring conservation issues at Discovery Day.

Volunteers ... in Mason County have taken part in county and state-wide volunteer trainings. Volunteers took part in Leader Trainings to help develop their skills and knowledge of working with 4-H members in Mason County.

Special Interest Group Activities ... include Farm Safety 4 Just Kids Day Camp; Discovery Day; Safe Trick-or-Treat Night; Family Walk Day; Livestock Judging Team; JMG; 4-H Federation; two Cloverbud Clubs; National 4-H Week, National Volunteer Week; and Achievement Ceremony.