POMEROY — 4-H Week in Ohio is March 7-14 and Meigs County’s 4-H kickoff of the observance will be held 5 to 7 p.m. on March 6 at Meigs Elementary School. The theme is “Are you into 4-H.”

“There will be a treasure hunt, games, 4-H informational displays, activities, line dancing, light refreshments and more,” said Cassie Turner, 4-H Educator at the Meigs County Extension Office. She noted that the event is free and open to families interested in learning more about 4-H and current members and their families.

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate 4-H in Meigs County and to learn how to get involved. 4-H Camp, the Meigs County Junior Fair, new experiences, friends, and memories for a lifetime are just a few of the reasons to get involved in Meigs County 4-H,” she said.

According to turner, the 4-H Community Club program in Meigs County served over 500 youth in 2008, about 10% of the youth ages 5-18 in the county. The goal this year, she said, is to serve your youth and reminded that 4-H is a “ positive youth development program that focuses on developing leadership and life-skills in children and teens.”

For those five years of age and in kindergarten there is a 4-H Cloverbud program, where kids participate in age appropriate noncompetitive activities. Cloverbud activities include club programs, Cloverbud Day Camp, Cloverbud Show and Tell, and other fun activities throughout the year and during the fair.

Youth at least 8 years old and in 3rd grade may participate in the project oriented program. There are over 170 different projects 4-Hers can choose from ranging from raising market animals to scrapbooking to model rockets. In addition to projects members participate in their club, attend 4-H Camp, and have opportunities to earn trips and awards. There are local clubs around the county. To participate this year, youth need to be enrolled in a club by April 1.

Volunteers run the program and without the support of a strong volunteer base 4-H doesn’t work, said Turner. Adults that are interested in volunteering with an existing club or starting a new club should contact Turner at the OSU Extension Meigs County. Applications to become a volunteer or to start a new 4-H Club must be received by that office not later than Saturday.

Families looking for a 4-H club or for more information are invited to contact Turner at 992-6696 or at turner.280@osu.edu. “This is a great opportunity to celebrate 4-H in Meigs County and to learn how to get involved,” Turner commented.