MONROE — October 5-11 is National 4-H Week and Green County is celebrating all the great opportunities that 4-H offers young people to learn, grow, and lead. 

We are kicking off National 4-H Week with our “Explore 4-H Day” open house event on Sunday, October 5th, Noon-2:30pm at the Green County Fairgrounds (2600 10th St, Monroe).  This is a FREE, open-house style event open to the public, so please invite your friends and family and stop in anytime.  It is a great opportunity for kids and parents learn about 4-H, try a variety of hands-on activities, and explore what 4-H has to offer!

“4-H teaches youth the skills of leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making through hands-on experiences like serving as an officer “ says Rose Peterson, Co-Organizational Leader for the Clarno 4-H Club.

As part of the National 4-H Week festivities, Green County 4-H families will be showing their 4-H pride on Wednesday, October 8th by wearing a 4-H t-shirt or a green shirt to school or work. 4-H clubs will also be putting up window displays in local communities throughout the county, showcasing the many opportunities 4-H offers.

Anne Steinmann, a Clarno 4-H parent says, “I have really valued the opportunity for my kids to meet new people and establish more relationships in our community. We have found 4-H to be very inclusive and welcoming. The older club members have been great about taking the younger/newer club members under their wing and exposing them to all things 4-H. I also appreciate that 4-H offers a wide selection of activities that match each of our kids varying interests.”

During 4-H Week and beyond, we celebrate the power of 4-H programs to empower young people! Here in Green County, 4-H is a program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, engaging more than 550 4-H members and 145 adult volunteers.

4-H is a place to be seen, belong, and be your best self. No matter your interests or background, 4-H has a place for you! 4-H members tell us what they love most about 4-H. Alayna Fiez, a Next Generation 4-H member says, “I joined 4-H because it helps build strong relationships with people of all ages, both within and outside of the community. It also gives me the chance to take part in activities and experiences I might not have had otherwise.” Zoie Donovan, a Young Americans 4-H member says, “I love all of the opportunities that 4H allows me to have”.

Learn how you can grow with 4-H, as a youth member or adult leader, by going to www.greencounty4h.info or by contacting Ellen Andrews, 4-H Youth Development Educator, at Extension Green County at (608) 328-9440 or ellen.andrews@wisc.edu.