“4-H has provided me with numerous learning experiences and has taught me responsibility, independence and the importance of time management,” said Stacy Gudas, a 4-H alumni.  “I have also made so many new friends that I might not have met if it wasn’t for 4-H.”

Research has proven that participation in 4-H has a significant positive impact on young people. Recent findings from the Tufts University 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that, when compared to their peers, young people in 4-H are:

• Nearly four times more likely to contribute to their communities.
• Two times more likely to pursue healthy behaviors.
• Two times more likely to engage in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs in the out-of-school time.

“In honor of National 4-H Week, we will have refreshments at our office throughout the week, as well as the opportunity to visit with anyone who has an interest in becoming a 4-H volunteer,” said Natalie Daily Federer, 4-H Youth Development Educator and Extension Director. “4-H has a long and proud history here in Pulaski County and we would love to see the 4-H program grow in members and volunteers over the next couple of years.”

In Pulaski County, more than 360 4-H members and 140 volunteers are involved in 4‑H.

4-H, the largest youth development organization in the world, is a community of seven million young people across the globe learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. In the U.S., 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 land grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Overseas, 4-H programs operate throughout more than 50 countries.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

The 4-H program is administered through the Pulaski County Extension Office located on 125 S. Riverside Dr. in Winamac, and the staff can be reached for questions at 574-946-3412. The Pulaski County Extension Office is open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.