Nurturing Community – Burnett County 4-H
BURNETT COUNTY 4-H
When you join 4-H, you are part of something big! 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, with more than six million members and over 90,000 clubs. Since it began in the early 1900s, 4‑H programs’ hands-on approach gives young people the guidance and tools, and then encourages them to “learn by doing.” The H’s in 4-H stand for head, heart, hands, and health. 4-H staff and volunteers are committed to providing opportunities for youth to learn life skills such as decision-making, problem solving, caring for others, generosity, making healthy choices, and more.
Kids say they love 4-H because they have fun with friends at meetings, social activities, camps, fairs, and on tours and trips. They learn to do interesting things, such as taking care of animals and plants, fixing their bikes, taking pictures, practicing cooking, and collecting rocks. They also help others to learn more about their 4-H project; provide leadership to younger kids; and learn more about themselves. In these settings, youth have the chance to become leaders. Youth make decisions. Youth can make their voices heard. The most important part of 4-H is YOUth.
Anyone from kindergarten through college first-year students can join a local club. 4-H clubs are a great way for youth to feel like they belong to a group. Along with participating in county 4-H events, 4-H clubs have their own events and activities just for club members! 4-H is youth directed, meaning that kids can choose projects and areas to match their interests. For example, not everyone in 4-H has to be in the Dog Project; if you don’t have a dog, you can choose something else, such as Rocketry! In 4-H the opportunities really are endless. For members in 3rd grade and up, there are many projects to choose from, including Animal Sciences, Arts and Communication, Family, Home & Health, Mechanical Sciences, Natural Resources, Plant and Soil Sciences, STEM, and Special Projects.
Through local programs, impactful activities, and guided experiences, 4-H provides young people a safe space to let their voices be heard and empowers them to create positive outcomes for themselves and their communities. 4-H staff, volunteers, and youth leaders provide and build relationships, environments, and experiences where every kid feels a sense of belonging. 45% of Burnett County 4-H volunteers are 4-H alumni, and they have participated in extensive training “To Make the Best Better” for young people.
Enrolling in 4-H is easy! All you have to do is find a local 4-H club you are interested in joining and start attending their meetings. Burnett County has four 4-H community clubs located in Grantsburg, Siren and Webster. Check out Burnett County 4-H on Facebook as well. 4-H in Wisconsin is sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service of University of Wisconsin, and local leadership is provided by 4-H youth development agents in the county offices of the Cooperative Extension Service. For more information, contact Beth Rank, 4-H Educator (Burnett and Washburn Counties) 1-608-347-6994 or email beth.rank@wisc.edu.