4-H enrollment open through Oct. 15

Open enrollment began in July and will go through Oct. 15 for open registration for El Dorado County 4-H projects.

4-H Youth Development helps young people reach their full potential as competent, confident and caring leaders of character who are connected to others and contribute to their communities.

Recent findings from Tufts University’s 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-H’ers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities. In El Dorado County, more than 450 4-H members and 100 adult volunteers are involved in 4 H.

Following enrollment, youth will participate in projects that they are interested in. In 4-H, youth design and participate in their own programs and activities. This unique learn-by-doing model teaches essential skills that youth will use throughout their lives, such as identifying sparks, desiring knowledge, setting goals, self-reflection, adapting to new situations, communicating and responding to the needs of others. 4-H youth are the leaders of tomorrow.

Whether youth are building rockets or robots, raising companion dogs, or growing vegetables, 4-H gives young people the skills they need to thrive and succeed throughout their lives.

Do you have a skill to share with today’s youth? 4-H is actively seeking adult volunteers to lead projects. It’s easy too; leading a project requires just two hours a month. 4-H is currently looking to expand offering in web design, geocache or GIS/GPS, the arts, Spanish language, robotics and Outdoor Adventures.

4-H youth are a living breathing, culture-changing revolution for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles and pushing the country forward by making a measurable difference right where they live. Learn how you can Join the Revolution of Responsibility at ucanr.org/centralsierra4-H or contact Nancy Starr at University of California Cooperative Extension, El Dorado County at 530-621-5503 or by e-mail at njstarr@ucdavis.edu.