By Katherine Miller

STAFF WRITER

CROWLEY – Acadia Parish 4-H youth will be joining others nationwide this week during National 4-H Week. The theme of this week is “Keeping it green,” as members ask for participation from local residents, trying to recruit membership also. “By joining 4-H, children can develop many life skills, such as leadership, developing their talents, friendships and even better family relationships,” Sheena Cecil, Acadia parish 4-H Agent informed.

What is 4-H? 4-H is fun. 4-H is learning and it is the largest youth organization in the United States, according to the LSU AgCenter. Its slogan is “Learn by doing”. National 4-H month celebrates this club, as does 4-H Week, which began Saturday, October 5 and will end Saturday, October 11 with a “Circle of 4-H fun day” to be held at Redemptorist Catholic.

Throughout the year, but with special emphasis on this week, 4-H’ers learn to solve problems in their communities, raise awareness about environmental issues, and make a difference for their futures, in which youth and adults learn, grow and work together to promote positive change. “Acadia parish has nearly 1300 members from 31 different clubs, as well as 100 volunteers who are actively involved in 4-H. These members are part of a larger, nationwide community of six million members, which operates under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), its federal partner.

Local 4-H clubs will hold celebratory events throughout the week, and will join together on the final day during the “Circle of 4-H” fun day. Held at Redemptorist Catholic, events will begin at 8:30 a.m. The event is open to all youth. Exciting activities planned for the day include a pet show and a bicycle rodeo, among many others.

Many lives have been changed as a result of having joined 4-H. Christana Goff, a local senior member of the 4-H youth development program of Acadia Parish and ambassador, said this of her experience, “The past five years have been the best of my life. I will be moving on, but will be able to remain involved with 4-H because I have a younger sister and brother I can encourage to “make the best better.” To those who nurtured and watched me grow, I would like to thank you for never giving up on me.”

You can join the 4-H community today. To learn how to become a member or volunteer leader in Acadia parish, contact Lou Ann Mckeivier, assistant county agent, or Sheena Grote Cecil, associate county agent at the LSU Cooperative Extension, Acadia parish at 788-8821.