New 4-H year starts Sept. 1

By Lynette Babcock

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

_e back-to-school season signals the start of the 4-H year. Palo Pinto County 4-H is ready to welcome both new and returning members for the 2022-2023 4-H year beginning Sept. 1.

As one of the nation’s largest youth development organizations, 4-H provides opportunities for kids and teens to participate in hands-on learning that helps develop life skills and build confidence.Research shows 4-H youth are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Palo Pinto County 4-H is part of Texas 4-H which is administered through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Young people in grades 3-12 are eligible to be 4-H members and (depending on age) participate in opportunities provided by 4-H. Texas 4-H has a variety of projects that are broken into five main groupings: Agriculture and Livestock; Family and Community Health; Leadership and Citizenship; Natural Resources; and Science, Technology, Science and Engineering, STEM.

Palo Pinto County has six community- based clubs throughout the county and has recently added a Shooting Sports project club. Members select projects based on their interests. Some of these include: Food and Nutrition; Shooting Sports; Livestock (Including Poultry and Rabbits); Photography; Consumer Education; Fashion and Interior Design; and Leadership.

Members also have the opportunity to demonstrate the project knowledge they have gained through a variety of contests that occur at the county, district and state levels.

Many of these projects have activities and deadlines early in the 4-H year so youth wanting to participate are encouraged to enroll and get involved in September. Active enrollment is required to participate in all 4-H activities and events.

For information about enrolling in 4-H and clubs near you, please contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Palo Pinto County at 940-659-1228.