Montana 4-H enrolling new members, seeking volunteers

BOZEMAN — Youth across Montana who would like to enroll in Montana 4-H are invited to do so during the month of October.

Montana 4-H is the youth development program of Montana State University Extension. It offers a range of choices and opportunities for youth to learn and grow, such as cooking or sewing, learning about conservation and robotics or raising an animal, while instilling employable life skills. In all, Montana 4-H offers more than 200 different projects and experiences that engage youth in learning. It is the largest out-of-school youth development program in the state, reaching nearly 20,000 youth in all 56 counties each year.

In general, individuals aged 8 to 18 are eligible to participate in Montana 4-H. Some counties also offer a program known as Cloverbuds for children ages 5 to 8.

The cost to join varies by county; in many counties in Montana, it is about $20. More information is available at www.montana.edu/extension/4h/join/index.html.

Montana 4-H is also seeking adult volunteers to work with 4-H youth as partners in hands-on learning. Volunteer enrollment is ongoing.

According to Todd Kesner, director of the 4-H Center for Youth Development, volunteers are vital to carrying out the program's mission and vision. Montana's 4-H youth development program relies on volunteers with varying schedules and interests to:

• Provide expertise in educational project areas such as photography, agriculture, food and nutrition, rocketry, robotics, public speaking and more.
• Guide youth in learning and exploration.
• Engage youth in service opportunities in communities.
• Ensure leadership for 4-H club management.
• Build a safe, caring and nurturing environment and relationships with youth.

Volunteers must be 19 years or older; in addition, some age restrictions apply for chaperoning responsibilities. More information is available at www.montana.edu/extension/4h/volunteer/index.html#How.

Youth and adults interested in joining or volunteering for Montana 4-H are invited to contact their local MSU Extension office. For more information about Montana 4-H, visit montana.edu/4h.