About 90 people attended the Wood County 4-H kickoff Sept. 15 at the Carroll Green Civic Center in Quitman, where families had the opportunity to learn about the program and its project clubs.
Although attendance was down from more than 125 last year, organizer Hilary Grider-Henk said that families who attended spent more time visiting project booths and asking questions about 4-H opportunities. The event also featured an interactive dirty soda bar. Ten youth enrolled in 4-H within 36 hours of the event.
Grider-Henk, county Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources, said she was “ecstatic” about the turnout and the level of interest from families.
“Something all of the volunteers noticed was the amount of engagement and deeper interest,” Grider-Henk said.
Grider-Henk said a 15-day social media countdown leading up to the event may have helped generate interest. Grider-Henk and other organizers used social media in place of traditional paper flyers this year, and the Extension office continued to receive questions from parents about enrollment after the event.
Grider-Henk also credited the partnership between the Wood County Commissioners Court and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, which jointly fund local Extension positions.
Wood County 4-H added several project clubs during the past year, including shotgun sports, fashion and design, and horticulture. Grider-Henk said volunteers have been important in getting the new clubs started.
Gider-Henk recalled the leader of the new shotgun sports club explaining his commitment to the program.
“As long as my son is in it, I’m in it for all of the kids,” he said.
Grider-Henk said several high school students have also returned to 4-H after learning they can participate in both FFA and 4-H. She said the programs can complement each other while giving students additional opportunities to develop skills and prepare for college.
Enrollment in 4-H is open year-round, although some projects, including livestock and cooking, have earlier deadlines. Annual membership is $25 per youth and increases to $30 in November.
Grider-Henk said 4-H also gives young people a place to find support and encouragement beyond the individual projects they choose.
“That is when a community is successful, and that’s where we see it come back to future generations,” Grider-Henk said.
For more information about Wood County 4-H or enrollment, contact the Wood County Extension office at 903-763-2924 or visit the office’s social media pages.