Kick-Off event to showcase Rockwall County 4-H Opportunities

(ROCKWALL, TX – Aug. 12, 2016) Rockwall County 4-H will host a kick-off event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 on the northwest lawn of the Rockwall County Courthouse, 1111 East Yellow Jacket Lane. Rockwall County 4-H Club leaders and members will be on hand to introduce themselves and share what they do.

There will also be project demonstrations to help families learn about the opportunities available in Rockwall County 4-H. Everyone is welcome!

What is 4-H?

4-H, a part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, is the largest youth development program in Texas. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for young people to become productive and contributing members of society.

Who are 4-H members?

Rockwall County 4-H is open to Rockwall County residents ages 8 (and in the 3rd grade on Sept. 1) through 12th grade. They join 4-H because it’s fun, it provides opportunities to work and play with friends, to learn about and do interesting things and to develop leadership skills.

What do you do in 4-H?

Members complete learning experiences called 4-H projects. A project is an area of interest that the 4-H member wants to learn more about. Youth participate through local 4-H clubs. Clubs hold monthly meetings and the project meetings are usually held separately. They participate in community service projects, enjoy interesting speakers and sometimes take field trips. 4-H’ers learn leadership skills by planning activities and being officers in their clubs. They attend camps, contests and conferences at the county, district and state levels.

With many different project areas to choose from, there really is something for everyone! A few project opportunities include Agricultural Sciences, Beef, Citizenship, Clothing & Textiles, Communication & Expressive Arts, Consumer Education, Dogs, Entomology, Food & Nutrition, Horticulture, Sheep and Goats, Health, Horses, Leadership, Natural Resources/Shooting Sports, Photography, Poultry, Rabbits, STEM, Swine, and Veterinary Science.

What does it cost?

The cost to join 4-H is just $20 per child per year between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31. After that the price increases to $25. After you join 4-H, the costs incurred will depend on the project. Some projects like Photography and Veterinary Science are free to minimal cost. Feeding and raising animal projects require a larger financial commitment.

4-H is a great bonding opportunity for the whole family. Stop by the Sept. 10 kick-off event to learn more. For more information, call 972-204-7660 or email rockwall@ag.tamu.edu.

Submitted by Shelly Spearman, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

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