DATE: 9/29/05

CONTACT: Amy McCune, (864) 656-6651

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

Clemson University celebrates National 4-H Week Oct. 2-8

CLEMSON – Clemson University’s 4-H Youth Development Program is a community of young people across South Carolina learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

October 2-8 is National 4-H week, and Clemson Extension would like to honor its 4-H volunteers. This year’s theme is “Make the 4-H Connection,” which promotes the importance and positive life-long impact of caring adults connecting with youth.

“Without these volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to empower youth with the skills, knowledge and resources to become healthy, productive and contributing members of society,” said Keith Diem, state director of 4-H Youth Development.

The 4-H Youth Development Program in South Carolina annually reaches approximately 75,000 youth, including approximately 10,000 youth as members of 400 4-H clubs. Nearly 4,000 adult volunteers that serve 4-H annually, with the average adult volunteer donating 220 hours per year in preparing for club meetings and teaching youth. There were also 578 4-H teen volunteers who shared their skills with younger 4-H members.

4-H’ers in each county will be celebrating the week by participating in different events and the 4-H flag will be flown at Tillman Hall on the Clemson campus. In addition, Governor Sanford signed a proclamation to show his support for 4-H Week.

4-H provides youth the opportunity to explore a variety of topics, and to master the knowledge and skills they learn. Program areas in South Carolina include:

• Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Stewarship
• Science, Technology and Engineering
• Healthy Lifestyles
• Leadership, Personal Development and Citizenship

“4-H still needs more dedicated, caring volunteers,” Diem added.

For more information about 4-H or learn how to become a volunteer, contact your county Extension office or visit the 4-H website at: http://www.clemson.edu/4H/.

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