The University of Wyoming Extension is inviting new and returning 4‑H members, parents and volunteers to celebrate National 4‑H Week from Sunday, Oct. 4 through Saturday, Oct. 10. The week‑long program is organized by UW Extension staff and volunteers in every Wyoming county and on the Wind River Indian Reservation.
Building Leadership for Wyoming Youth
Wyoming 4‑H serves youth ages 5‑18, offering project‑based learning, mentorship and community service that help participants develop lifelong leadership skills. Programs reach thousands of young people each year through clubs, camps, after‑school activities, county fairs, state fairs, national leadership trips and even international travel.
Wide‑Range Projects and Competitions
Participants can explore a broad spectrum of project areas, from traditional livestock showing, woodworking and cooking to public speaking, robotics and photography. This year’s schedule includes a holiday card competition, a service project honoring local firefighters and a statewide Bingo competition that will end with prize drawings from the Wyoming 4‑H state office.
Voices from the Extension Team
“Wyoming 4‑H is a fun and dynamic program that allows youth to experience healthy competition and community,” said Mijal Altmann, the university’s youth development specialist. “For many youth, 4‑H is a space for exploration and discovery outside of the traditional educational context.”
State 4‑H events coordinator Rylie Ogden added, “It’s a great way for members to connect, have fun and encourage new youth to join 4‑H. Each community throughout the 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation brings something unique to the Wyoming 4‑H story, and highlighting the small things shines a light on those who are a part of our program.”
Theme: Beyond Ready
The week’s theme, “Beyond Ready,” underscores how 4‑H equips young people with the tools they need to succeed now and in the future. Altmann explained, “Wyoming 4‑H allows youth to explore their ‘sparks,’ encounter mentorship and support, and learn resilience and lifelong skills long before they know they are doing such a thing. By the time they graduate and launch into adult life, they have explored what motivates and excites them and learned how to connect that to making the world a better place.”
How to Get Involved
Families and volunteers who want to join Wyoming 4‑H or participate in National 4‑H Week activities can visit www.uwyo.edu/4-h or contact their local UW Extension office. Contact information for county offices is available at https://bit.ly/uwe-counties. The Extension encourages all Wyoming residents to take part in this celebration of youth leadership, community service and personal growth.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
