National 4-H week starts Sunday

Did you know that according to a 4-H Positive Youth Development Study, generally 4-H’ers are:

Less likely to have sexual intercourse by Grade 10?
56% more likely to spend more hours exercising or being physically active?
Shown to have had significantly lower drug, alcohol and cigarette use than their peers?

And the benefits of those active in 4-H go way beyond these things to encompass overall better living as the official pledge written in 1918 states: I pledge my head to clearer thinking,my heart to greater loyalty,my hands to larger service and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.


The foundations of 4-H began around the start of the twentieth century, with the work of several people in different areas of the United States. The focal point of 4-H has been the idea of practical and hands-on learning, which came from the desire to make public school education more connected to rural life. Early programs tied both public and private resources together to benefit rural youth.

While it was originally targeted at youth in farming communities, 4-H continues to develop new projects for its members to study beyond agriculture and animal husbandry, including photography, conservation, cooking, public speaking, shooting sports, history, art, and other pursuits. 4-H has also grown to include education in arts and sciences; and to encourage fellowship and service opportunities as well.

There are 13 4-H clubs in Bates County with more than 300 members total: All American 4-H; Altona 4-H; Amsterdam 4-H; Ballard 4-H; Busy Beavers 4-H; County Line 4-H; Foster Clover Leaf 4-H; Hudson Hustlers 4-H; Peru Star 4-H; Summit Go-Getters 4-H; V-52 4-H; Willing Workers 4-H and Woodland 4-H club.

For more information about joining your local club or to volunteer, contact Alan Mundey at the Bates County Extension Office at 660-679-4167 or visit the Extension web site here.

If you'd like to read more about the history of 4-H, visit the 4-H.org web site here.