Opportunity4All: 10 ways to celebrate National 4-H Week

INDIANAPOLIS — National 4‑H Week will be celebrated Oct. 2-8 with the theme “Opportunity4All.”

This year’s theme highlights that 4-H is a community for all. Each year, nearly 6 million young people participate in 4-H programs.

Kittrina Thompson, National 4-H Council spokesperson, shared 10 ways to celebrate National 4-H Week.

1. Host a 4‑H rally. With permission, host a 4‑H rally at a school or community center. It’s a great way to bring the community together to celebrate and show the pride of your local 4‑H program.

2. Give back. Local programs are always looking for resources to continue growing the programs. Help programs thrive by making a donation that can help provide supplies to kids in the area.

3. Wear your 4‑H gear. Nothing says 4‑H pride like a 4‑H tee.

4. Set up information booths. If your local grocery or hardware store allows, set up a table to share information about your local 4‑H program. You can display 4‑H posters, hand out flyers or showcase the work of local 4‑H’ers.

5. Shout-out a 4‑H’er. Recognize the hard work and dedication of 4‑H’ers by shouting out one or an entire club on social media.

6. Storefront displays. In some communities, you can ask local businesses to display 4‑H posters. Many may be willing to dedicate their entire storefront to 4‑H signs, memorabilia and décor for the week.

7. Become a 4‑H volunteer. If you are a 4‑H alum, you might be looking for ways to reconnect with 4‑H. Consider giving your time to a local 4‑H club by becoming a volunteer.

8. Share your 4‑H story. Take to social media to share a 4‑H memory, express how 4‑H shaped who you are today, describe what 4‑H means to you, post an old 4‑H photo, or shout-out your 4‑H club. Use and follow the hashtag #InspireKidstoDo, share your story, or read stories similar to yours.

9. Have a 4‑H reunion. Gather your old 4‑H friends and spend some time together reminiscing on your 4‑H experience or recreate your 4‑H project together.

10. Send a 4‑H thank you. We all have a reason to thank our local 4‑H leaders. Whether you grew up in 4‑H, you have kids in 4‑H, or you’ve witnessed the positive work of 4‑H in your community, send a “thank you” note to your local Extension/4-H office to show your appreciation.

Learn more at www.4-h.org.