Placerville, CA…We are currently holding Open Enrollment for our 4-H Youth Development Programs in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado and Tuolumne counties. Enrollment is available all year but October 15, 2017 is the deadline to register for returning members that want to show at county fair. New members must be enrolled by December 1st, 2017 to be eligible for fair. 4-H Youth Development helps young people reach their full potential as competent, confident and caring leaders of character who are connected to others and contribute to their communities.

Recent findings from Tufts University’s 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-H’ers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities.

Following enrollment, youth participate in projects which they are interested in. In 4-H, youth design and participate in their own programs and activities. This unique learn-by-doing model teaches essential skills that youth will use throughout their lives, such as identifying sparks, desiring knowledge, setting goals, self-reflection, adapting to new situations, communicating, and responding to the needs of others. 4-H youth are the leaders of tomorrow!

Whether youth are building rockets or robots, raising companion dogs, or growing vegetables, 4-H gives young people the skills they need to thrive and succeed throughout their lives.

How will you inspire the next generation? Do you have a skill to share with today’s youth? 4-H is looking to expand project offerings in many areas. And is seeking adult volunteers to lead projects. It’s easy too, leading a project requires just two hours a month! take the time to help a young

4-H youth are a living, breathing, culture-changing revolution for doing the right thing; breaking through obstacles, and pushing our country forward by making a measurable difference right where they live. Learn how you can join at http://ucanr.org/centralsierra4-H or contact Nancy Starr at University of California Cooperative Extension, Central Sierra at (530) 621-5503 or njstarr@ucanr.edu