Iowa celebrates 4-H Week

Iowa Governor Chet Culver has officially proclaimed Oct. 3-9 as 4-H Week in Iowa. The proclamation ties in with National 4-H Week activities in the state and throughout the country.

The theme for National 4-H Week is "Taking the Lead."

"Governor Culver's proclamation is a great honor for Iowa 4-H," said Chuck Morris, director of the Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development program.

4-H helps young people become competent, confident, connected, contributing, caring, citizens with character, Morris said.

"4-H follows the philosophy of learning by doing. Youth develop life skills through hands-on projects that range from citizenship to expressive arts, communication to foods and nutrition, and leadership to science and technology. 4-H'ers are taking the lead for Iowa's future," Morris said.

4-H is the nation's largest youth development organization, serving more than 6 million young people across America with programs in leadership, citizenship, communication and life skills. One in five Iowa school-age youth participates in 4-H. In Iowa, 4-H Youth Development is headquartered at the Iowa State University campus in Ames. 4-H is supported by federal, state and county funding, private grants and donations, and fees.

For more information about joining 4-H, contact any Iowa State University Extension county office at www.extension.iastate.edu/ouroffices.htm or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/4H.