Keeping pace

Southeast Missourian

Although 4-H turns 100 this year, the youth development program is keeping pace with the times and attracting young people to its ranks with projects like photography, computers and the art of scrapbooking as well as its more traditional offerings.

More than 70 projects are offered to young people who participate in 4-H, said Donna Taake, Southeast Region 4-H youth specialist at the University of Missouri Outreach and Extension office at Jackson, Mo.

"We're planning a big 4-H celebration here in March," Taake said.

The March 16 event will feature 4-H century families, 4-H alumni and volunteers.

"This will include families with a long involvement in the 4-H program," Taake said. "Missouri 4-H families with a combined 100 years or more of membership and/or volunteer service will be recognized on the county level."

A list of century families is being compiled, Taake said.

Among state events are the Missouri 4-H Congress June 5-6 and a program at the state fair Aug. 8-18. A 4-H centennial gala will be held during National 4-H week Oct. 10 at St. Louis.

The power of youth

Several members and volunteers, along with Taake, participated in activities at Jefferson City, Mo., last week, designed to help 4-H kick off its centennial celebration and participate in the 4-H "Power of Youth" rally.

About 2,300 youths and adults from across Missouri met for activities at Jefferson City.

Two of the local 4-H members presented demonstrations during the day's activities.

Erin Fields, of Gordonville, Mo., a member of the Gordonville 4-H Club, presented her demonstration, "The Art of Scrapbooking," during the Show-Me-4-H Day session Tuesday. Fields, who is interested in photography, keeps a club scrapbook.

Charlie Meier, a member of the Progressive 4-H Club at Jackson, presented "The History of the Belgian Horse Breed."

Other students attending the Jefferson City activities included Andrew Telle, Blake Telle, Amanda Landgraf, Amanda Singleton and Heather Birk. Adults making the trip were Teresa Meier, Donna Telle, Dortha Stack and Brenda Wolfenkoehler.

More than 250 youths are involved in 4-H programs in Cape Girardeau County, Taake said. The Cape Girardeau County list includes nine traditional clubs, with 203 members ages 8-18; Clover Kids Club, with 40 members ages 5-7; Junior Leaders Club, 26 members age 14 and over; and 165 adult volunteers.

Learn by doing

Missouri 4-H Youth programs are part of University Outreach and Extension.

Young people all need similar things to grow in positive ways, Taake said, citing things like relationships with caring adults through 4-H club meetings, opportunities to learn and master new skills through 4-H project meetings and opportunities to serve through 4-H club community service projects.

In keeping with the 4-H tradition, all projects are designed to teach youths to learn by doing.

The 4-H centennial celebrations are being observed from the local front to the White House.

President George W. Bush and Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman joined 4-H members from Texas and the Metropolitan Washington area recently to officially inaugurate 4-H's 100-year anniversary at a White House meeting.

During the meeting, 4-H member presented President Bush with its highest honor, the "Partner in 4-H" award for his support of 4-H and the Texas Cooperative Extension Service while serving as governor of Texas.

More than 6.8 million youths are involved in 4-H clubs nationally.

Americans from all walks of life have been members -- singers Dolly Parton and Reba McIntyre, cowboy Roy Rogers and popcorn king Orville Redenbacher, to name a few.

rowen@semissourian.com

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