One of the key benefits of participating in 4-H is the chance to acquire a wide range of skills that can serve participants for a lifetime.
                                 Courtesy photo

One of the key benefits of participating in 4-H is the chance to acquire a wide range of skills that can serve participants for a lifetime.

Courtesy photo

RICHMOND COUNTY — 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills through hands-on experiences. The name “4-H” stands for the four personal development areas: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. It’s a holistic approach that fosters mental, emotional, and physical health. Through 4-H, young people engage in a variety of activities such as public speaking, community service, animal care, outdoor recreation, science experiments, and much more.

One of the key benefits of participating in 4-H is the chance to acquire a wide range of skills that can serve participants for a lifetime. The 4-H programs in Richmond County span numerous areas of interest, from agriculture to robotics, public speaking, and outdoor exploration. Youth involved in 4-H can develop practical, hands-on skills in areas like animal husbandry, cooking, crafting, and more.

For example, we are currently gearing up for the 2025 Chicken Project, where youth learn about responsibility, time management, and animal care. Animals aren’t your thing? Youth could participate in the Richmond County 4-H Canoe Club, learning how to safely paddle a canoe as well as river ecology and environmental conservation. These programs give youth the chance to explore career interests, cultivate new passions, and gain practical skills that can open doors in the future.

Through 4-H, youth in Richmond County learn to become leaders in their communities. The program emphasizes values such as responsibility, respect, and teamwork. Participants are encouraged to take on leadership roles within their local clubs, whether by organizing meetings, planning events, or mentoring younger members. These experiences teach young people how to communicate effectively, make decisions, and work with others toward common goals.

Richmond County 4-H also helps cultivate responsible citizens who understand the importance of giving back. Service-learning projects, like helping with local litter clean-up efforts or volunteering at community events, teach young people the value of contributing to the greater good. By taking part in these activities, 4-H members not only improve their community but also develop a sense of pride and ownership in the place they call home.

Another significant benefit of joining 4-H is the sense of community it fosters. Richmond County’s 4-H clubs provide a safe and welcoming environment where young people can connect with peers who share similar interests. It’s a place to build friendships, form lasting bonds, and enjoy a sense of belonging. Whether it’s through group activities, county-wide events, or summer camps, participants have the chance to meet and interact with others from different backgrounds and experiences. In addition, many 4-H activities bring families together. Parents and guardians often participate alongside their children, offering support and learning alongside them. This strengthens family bonds and enhances the overall community spirit in Richmond County.

Public speaking is a core component of the 4-H experience, and Richmond County 4-H provides plenty of opportunities for members to develop these skills. Whether through presenting at local events, participating in public speaking contests, or delivering reports on their 4-H projects, youth are encouraged to speak in front of others. These experiences help build self-confidence, reduce anxiety about speaking in public, and improve communication abilities that are crucial in both personal and professional life.

Joining Richmond County 4-H opens doors to a wealth of opportunities. Whether you’re looking to develop new skills, become a leader, give back to your community, or explore career options, 4-H provides a supportive environment for growth and personal development. The connections made through 4-H extend beyond the local community, offering a network of like-minded peers and mentors across the state and even the nation. So, if you’re looking for a way to grow, contribute, and make lasting memories, Richmond County 4-H is the perfect place to start. To join Richmond County 4-H, enroll through 4honline.com.

For more information on Richmond County 4-H, including clubs, Summer Fun activities, camps and more, or how to get involved as a 4-H volunteer, please contact Erin Barnes, 4-H agent, NC Cooperative Extension, Richmond County Center, at erin_barnes@ncsu.edu or call 910-206-9542. Visit our website at Richmond.ces.ncsu.edu and follow us on Facebook, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Richmond County Center.