Junction City, KS (October 9, 2018) — For the 76th consecutive year, millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country will be celebrating National 4-H Week during the first full week of October.

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. Geary County 4-H will leverage National 4-H Week this year by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people and working to spread the word about 4-H.

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. In fact, research has shown that young people involved in Kansas 4-H are making responsible decisions, making connections, and growing in citizenship, leadership, and communication skills. The recent Kansas 4-H Impact Study showed that 91% of Kansas 4-H members have a plan for reaching their goals, 93% are connected with adults who are not their parents, 96% reported that they can make a difference through community service, and 4-H participants in their third year or more reported a 60% increase in their confidence in public speaking compared to newer participants.

To join 4-H, youth must be between the ages of seven and eighteen as of January 1, 2019. If you meet this requirement and want to find out what 4-H has for you, please contact the Extension Office at 785-238-4161. You can also check out the Geary County Extension website atwww.geary.ksu.edu.

Ginger Kopfer, Geary County Extension Agent