The 4-H youth development movement provides opportunities for all youth ages 5-19 to participate in innovative, fun programs through which they can develop valuable, lifelong skills.

Today, 4-H in the United States involves seven million youth, 50 million alumni and more than 1,000 learn-by-doing programs ranging from robotics and biotechnology to skateboarding and agriculture.

4-H'ers learn valuable skills, have fun, make new friends, solve problems, earn awards and recognition, practice citizenship, develop leadership ability and make a difference in their communities, said Tammy Powell, Pike County Extension coordinator.

"More than 1,550 Pike County 4-H'ers learn and are involved in projects such as leadership, family and consumer sciences, foods and nutrition, citizenship and community service, animal science and communication arts," Powell said. "There are also many other areas of interest."

Many 4-H youth participate in 4-H through their 4-H Clubs, which are small groups of youth supervised by one or more adult volunteer leaders. 4-H Clubs usually are organized around a project or geographic area. 4-H Club members hold regular meetings, elect officers, plan programs and work on 4-H projects. 4-H Clubs usually meet in a school, community center, the volunteer leader's home or a member's home.

"Nearly 600,000 adults and teenagers from across the United States are volunteer leader," Powell said. Pike County 4-H counts more than 400 among its 4-H family. Volunteer leaders are adults or teenagers who are interested in and willing to share their time and skills with youth. An interest in helping kids learn, explore and grow and a few hours of your time is all that is required."

Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer 4-H leader is encouraged to call Powell at 566-0985.