VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – For the 81st consecutive year, millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country will celebrate National 4-H Week. This year’s theme, I Love 4-H, is a campaign that will give kids more opportunities to do, empowering them with the skills they need to succeed in life and career.

Throughout National 4-H Week, Barnes County 4-H will showcase the many ways 4-H inspires kids to do through hands-on learning experiences as well as highlight the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them.

4-H was founded on the belief that when kids are empowered to pursue their passions and chart their own course, their unique skills grow and take shape, helping them to become true leaders in their lives, careers and communities.

Barnes County Youth will be celebrating National 4-H week by creating awareness about the power of 4-H through local radio PSA’s and radio interviews on KOVC. In addition, the Barnes County Commissioners signed a proclamation recognizing Oct 2-7, 2023 as Barnes County 4-H Week. Also, the Barnes County Historical Museum window with be decorated with 4-H memorabilia, exhibits, and posters.

“4-H alumni around the country are always the first to acknowledge the significant positive impact 4-H had on them as young people; the opportunities and experiences that 4-H provides youth empowers them to become true leaders,” said Susan Milender, Barnes County Extension Educator. “In fact, research has shown that young people in 4-H are almost four times as likely to contribute to their communities, and are twice as likely to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs in their free time.”

In Barnes County, more than 60, 4-H youth and 20 volunteers from the community are involved in 4-H.