Freeborn County 4-H youth and volunteers are starting the New Year by thanking 4-H supporters for helping youth make a difference in their lives and communities. Throughout January, 4-H youth and volunteers in Freeborn County and across the state will be thanking supporters and sharing their personal stories of how participating in the University of Minnesota Extension 4-H program has helped them learn new skills, discover their passions, prepared them to succeed in school, college, careers and their communities.

In Freeborn County, as of Jan. 12, 342 youth and 82 adult volunteers participated in the 4-H youth development program (they also have 4-H at after school sites that include 205 youth). By designing and leading their own learning and activities, 4-H’ers gain essential skills needed to succeed in life, such as problem solving, decision making, coping, communication and responding to the needs of others. 4-H project areas include science, engineering and technology, citizenship and leadership, health living, animal science and agriculture, and expressive arts and communication.

“I’ve gained a lot of friendships. I enjoy all the activities like retreats and working with all my animals. 4-H has helped me gain confidence and life skills that will stay with me the rest of my life,” said Morgan Grunzke, a member of the Conger 4-H Club.

“I enjoy bring a 4-H volunteer because it allows us to work closely as a family and a community. As a family we all take part in working with the 4-H animals to get them ready for the fair. As a community we meet monthly and share ideas to promote 4-H and give back to the community,” said Kim Grunzke, an adult volunteer with the Conger 4-H Club.

4-H is busy planning the yearly events. Coming up they have the February Follies for younger youth, the second Beef Weigh-in, Share-the-Fun event at Southwest on Feb. 26, Winter Retreat for older youth, and a Dad’s Belgian Waffle Feed at the Fairlane Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds on March 31.

To learn more go to www.4-H.umn.edu, or contact 507-377-5660.

 

Amy Wadding and Megan Thorson

4-H program coordinators