KOSCIUSKO —  For the 75th consecutive year, millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country will be celebrating National 4-H Week during the first full week of October.  Kosciusko 4-H will leverage National 4-H Week this year by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people, and will highlight the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them.

Kosciusko County 4-H will kick off the week with their fall Achievement night on Oct. 1.  At this event, members and volunteers will be recognized for their past achievements, the highlights of 2017 will be recapped and look forward to the next program year with the election of our new 4-H Council members.  Attendees will also hear from Madelyn Zimmerman, one of the exceptional members who took the opportunity to travel and learn with 4-H and Extension in the Virgin Islands this past summer. 

Members will also be present at Warsaw’s First Friday event where families can complete a hands-on activity and interact with some of our members and leaders.

“4-H focuses on youth development, not just in traditional aspects of agriculture and animals, but also in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Healthy Living, Citizenship, and Leadership.  We use a variety of tools—pigs, chickens, baking, sewing, rocket launches, and community service projects—to teach youth teamwork, responsibility, problem solving, resiliency, and compassion,” said Mindy Wise, 4-H youth development educator “We are specifically excited about our PossABILITIES program that targets youth with special needs, pairs them with a mentor family, educates them about livestock, and makes any necessary accommodations so they can exhibit at the fair.  Through this experience, participants and mentors have gained an understanding for others, and life-long friendships that continue outside of the 4-H Arena.”

Kindergarten through 12th grade youth of any background can begin enrolling in Kosciusko County 4-H online from Oct. 1 through Jan. 15, 2018.  Some other program highlights include a new fire education project that will partner youth with the Warsaw Fire Department for hands-on education and potential volunteer or career opportunities.  the organization also offers training in welding, shooting sports/firearm safety and blacksmithing to youth as young as third grade. Mini members can explore any of our livestock projects, even if they do not own their own animals.  Really, the possibilities are endless for youth participants and adult volunteers.