Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate your 4-H pride this year with National 4-H Week!
4-H, the largest youth development organization in the world, is a community of seven million young people across the globe learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. In the U.S., 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 land grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Overseas, 4-H programs operate throughout more than 50 countries.
Research has proven that participation in 4-H has a significant positive impact on young people. Recent findings from the Tufts University 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that, when compared to their peers, young people in 4-H are:
• Nearly four times more likely to contribute to their communities
• Two times more likely to pursue healthy behaviors
• Two times more likely to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs outside of school time.
Have a child aged 5-18? They can become official 4-H members and participate in our six county 4-H clubs: 4-H shooting sports club, 4-H fishing club, 4-H horse club, 4-H cooking club, 4-H teen leadership club, and 4-H chess club. The cost is $15 and includes admission to the Florence ECA Fair and SC State fair on their designated 4-H days. Register before Oct. 1st, and youth will receive a 4-H t-shirt with membership.
Here are a few ways you can be involved during National 4-H Week:
• Clover Hunts will kick off next week. Consider displaying the premade 4-H sign from your local agent or create your own 4-H sign to display in your home or business window. Families can then drive around the county and “hunt” for 4-H clovers.
• Celebrate 4-H Week by wearing green on Oct. 7th.
• Vote on your favorite scarecrow. Businesses and residents across Dillon County are participating in the 3rd annual Dillon County 4-H Scarecrow Decorating Contest. The People’s Choice Award will be given to the scarecrow display that receives the most votes on our county Facebook. Voting kicks off Oct. 3rd on our county Facebook page.
• Like and follow us on Facebook: @Dillon4H
• Please share pictures of your family celebrating National 4-H week with Dillon County 4-H agent, Elizabeth Snipes, at esnipe2@clemson.edu.

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Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.