By Staff
Alabama 4-H, the state's oldest youth development organization, will begin a year of celebration on Friday, Aug. 29, to honor the thousands of youth, volunteers and alumni who are Alabama 4-H.
The kickoff celebration will begin at 2 p.m. on the Cater Hall lawn of the Auburn University campus as dozens of Alabama 4-H'ers from across the state will showcase their diverse projects. On exhibit will be rocketry, archery, technology, photography, design and animal husbandry.
At 4:30 p.m., a ceremony will be held with guest President Jay Gogue, speaking, along with Alabama 4-H State Council President Dalta Garrett, a Shelby County 4-Her; Gaines Smith, director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System; Virginia Caples of Alabama A&M University; and Lamar Nichols, assistant director for 4-H and Youth Development.
Nichols, who directs 4-H employees statewide, says, “Alabama 4-H is a program of rich heritage and dynamic youth who have bright and promising futures because of 4-H. Alabama 4-H youth are more confident, and they are empowered to reach their full potential through 4-H.”
Alabama 4-H is offered in all 67 counties and more than 58,000 youth participate in a variety of 4-H clubs, special interest clubs, activities, events and competitions throughout the state.
During 2008-09, centennial celebrations are being planned across the state, including local, county and regional events.
Alabama 4-H Today
More than 58,000 Alabama youth statewide participate in a variety of educational programs to learn belonging, independence, generosity and mastery. Alabama 4-H reaches kids ages 9 to 19 through in-school programs, special interest programs, traditional club programs and competitive events. The focus of 4-H is using experiential learning programs to encourage youth to become productive citizens with positive character and leadership skills.
The mission of 4-H is to serve all youth. At the heart of Alabama 4-H's curricula is the belief that programs must instill life-development skills. No matter the subject, 4-H instructs youth in character values needed to be productive citizens. Alabama 4-H also teaches leadership skills through its commitment to positive youth development.