4-H Week is Oct. 4–10 with a kickoff on Oct. 3

Kickoff slated for Oct. 3

MINERAL WELLS -- From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, West Virginia 4-Hers in Wood County are proving they're not just ready for the future - they're Beyond Ready.

During National 4-H Week, Oct. 4-10, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.

Wood County will kick off the celebration early with the Wood County 4-H Camp Annual Ox Roast fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 3. The event will feature locally raised 4-H and FFA beef, slow-roasted in an underground pit and served with all the sides for $15 per meal. Proceeds support the historic Wood County 4-H Camp in Mineral Wells, home to summer camps and many 4-H activities throughout the year. Volunteers and teen leaders will also be available to answer questions and talk with families interested in joining 4-H.

The celebration will wrap up with a 4-H Open House Trunk or Treat Oct. 11 from 5-6 p.m. at the Wood County 4-H Camp in Mineral Wells. Most Wood County 4-H clubs will host trunks, giving youth and families a fun opportunity to meet members and volunteers, learn about 4-H, and find a club that fits their interests.

"Wood County offers community 4-H clubs in Boaz, Lubeck, Belleville, Parkersburg, Mineral Wells, and Waverly, along with specialty opportunities including Shooting Sports and equine clubs and a club specifically for teens," said Jodi Smith, Wood County 4-H Extension agent. "Families interested in discovering what 4-H has to offer are encouraged to stop by, enjoy the Trunk or Treat, meet local clubs, and learn how to get involved."

West Virginia University Extension educators, volunteers, and mentors deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. Through club meetings, community service, project work, camps, and events such as the 4-H and FFA Summer Showcase, young people build skills such as teamwork, resilience, communication, and leadership that will serve them in work and life. "4-H has taught me lots of skills, like leadership and communication, but the thing that's most important is meeting people from my community, state, and country," said 4-H member and Teen Leader Vice President Jennessa Lewellyn.

National 4-H Week is an opportunity to celebrate those experiences and encourage more young people to get involved.

"I just love seeing so many people interact with 4-H and being able to show all that it can do," said 4-H member and Teen Leader President Chase Breen. "I think it's a really wonderful time to spread awareness about the program and be able to help more and more people every year."

In Wood County, 4-H gives young people opportunities to learn, lead, serve, explore their interests, and build connections with others through clubs, camps, projects, and other hands-on experiences.

"I feel like 4-H is more than a club. It's a place where you can make memories, learn, and grow with your peers," said 4-H member and Teen Leader Secretary Josephine Myers.

Wood County 4-H members also have opportunities to explore interests and prepare for their futures through project work, teen leadership, teaching younger youth, entrepreneurship, and state and national experiences.

At this year's 4-H and FFA Summer Showcase, eight 4-H members sold their own products through the Wood County Youth Business Fair, gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, communication, and customer service. The Youth Business Fair will continue as part of the annual Summer Showcase, with plans to grow the opportunity and engage more young entrepreneurs each year.

More than 45 Wood County teens have been trained as Teen Teachers in health, agriculture, and STEM, preparing them to lead hands-on learning experiences for younger youth at camps, clubs, schools, and community events. Seven have also completed state-level Beyond Ready Ambassador training to further strengthen their leadership and teaching skills.

"One of the things I am most proud of is seeing our teens take what they learn through 4-H and put it into action," Smith said. "There are so many ways for young people to find their place in 4-H while building skills for their future.

"They can explore interests through projects, lead at camp, teach younger youth, serve in leadership roles, or take advantage of experiences that extend well beyond Wood County. Along the way, they are building communication, teamwork, responsibility, leadership, and other skills that will serve them in work and life."

Those opportunities have taken Wood County 4-H members across the country.

Jennessa Lewellyn and Reagan Lawrentz represented West Virginia Teens as Teachers at Ignite by 4-H in Washington, D.C.; Cooley Dixon, Morgan Wicker, and Skylar Hart represented West Virginia 4-H at the national archery competition in Nebraska; and Wicker was selected to represent West Virginia at National 4-H Congress in November through a competitive application, résumé, and interview process. Wood County Teen Teachers and Beyond Ready Ambassadors have also taught younger members throughout the year and will be recognized with youth from across the state at State Teen Leader Weekend in November.

Members of 4-H also help out in their communities.

Wood County 4-H members and volunteers packed emergency activity kits on Sept. 20 that will be delivered to local fire stations throughout the county and region to provide comfort and activities for children experiencing emergencies such as fires and floods. The kits are being delivered this week with 4-H clubs delivering them to the fire departments. Collections were done Sept. 3-18.

The project was made possible through a 9/11 Day AmeriCorps grant and donations from community members and organizations, including the Wood County Prevention Coalition and Parkersburg Woman's Club.

WVU Extension and county 4-H programs in Wood, Wirt, Pleasants, Tyler, Jackson, Ritchie, Calhoun, and Gilmer counties joined together in this regional service project to honor and remember those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, by turning remembrance into service for others.

These are just a few of the opportunities available through Wood County and West Virginia 4-H for young people to discover their interests, challenge themselves, lead others, serve their communities, and prepare for what comes next. Youth ages 9 to 21 can join 4-H with a parent or guardian's permission, while children ages 5 to 8 can participate in Cloverbuds, a program designed to introduce younger children to 4-H through fun, age-appropriate learning and social experiences.

"National 4-H Week is a powerful reminder that young people are already leading in extraordinary ways," said Jill Bramble, president and CEO of National 4-H Council. "Through 4-H, youth discover their strengths, build lifelong career and life skills, and create opportunities for real change in their communities. They aren't waiting for tomorrow -- they are stepping up today and are Beyond Ready."

During National 4-H Week, 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their 4-H stories using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.

To learn more about Wood County 4-H or find a club, contact the WVU Extension office in Wood County at 304-424-1960 or visit extension.wvu.edu/wood.