La Plata County 4-H club enrollment for the 2015-16 year begins Friday.
All enrollments for 4-H club members, leaders and volunteers will be done online at https://colorado.4honline.com. This is a new requirement and may take some help getting used to. If you have any trouble or any questions, please call 382-6465 or email Angela Fountain at fountainaj@co.laplata.co.us.
For people who do not have access to a computer or the Internet, these resources will be available beginning Monday at the Colorado State University Extension Office, 2500 Main Ave.
4-H offers many educational opportunities for young people ages 5 to 18 from rural and urban areas.
Programs are provided through support from CSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We are the only youth-serving organization connected to the land-grant university system. This enables us to provide members with up-to-date research and educational resources.
4-H club members’ work focuses on projects. Members select a project that they are interested in and suits their living environment. Project work enables them to learn life skills such as communication, record keeping, decision making, leadership and specific skills related to their project. We offer projects in categories such as food and nutrition, biological and mechanical sciences, natural resources, arts and animals and livestock.
4-H projects can be fun, hands-on experiences. Our network of great leaders and volunteers also provides a great environment for positive youth-adult partnerships. We encourage prospective members to attend an initial club meeting to get a feeling for our 4-H club program. We have clubs throughout the county, and you can find contact information for them at the Extension Office and online at http://bit.ly/1LOhwln.
Throughout the year, our 4-H clubs get involved with community service events. The Mountain Shadows club is working with the Silver San Juan Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans. Members are collecting new or unused items to be given to veterans at the local Stand Down event, which will be held Oct. 27 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Needed items include: shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant, as well as adult-sized clothing such as socks, T-shirts, underwear, sweats, winter hats and gloves. There is a collection box at the Extension Office. Thank you in advance for your support.
Also, La Plata County 4-H strives to provide an inclusive environment for all people in our community. We encourage diversity in our membership. This year, we are seeking more members from our local Latino community.
From 2 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Extension Office, we will be collaborating with the La Plata County Family Center to host “Noche De Ponche.” This celebration will honor a Latin holiday tradition by making ponche.
In addition, we will give a presentation about the 4-H program and participate cupcake decorating, which is a 4-H project. Spanish and English handouts will be provided. Please let your friends know about this fun event.
Greg Felsen is the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent. Reach him at felsengh@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463.
