By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Canadian County 4-H youth know there are “no limits” to the opportunities before them.
Members of 17 local clubs are striving to push this country forward by making a measurable difference – right here in Canadian County.
That is a prevailing message of National 4-H Month, being observed in October across the United States. 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization.
Members of the Yukon 4-H Club rode in the annual Czech Day parade Oct. 1 to help kick off their annual 4-H Month observance.
In Oklahoma, 4-H membership is open to all youth ages 5 to 19 years.
The Canadian County 4-H Program has reached more than 7,500 families nationwide this year – virtually and in-person, according to a proclamation signed by Canadian County Commissioners.
Alexis Graham and Todd Branson are Canadian County’s 4-H extension educators.
Commissioners, at their Oct. 3rd meeting, officially declared Canadian County 4-H Month.
Graham and three 4-H officers attended the meeting where Canadian County Teen Leaders Club representative Nate Ninman presented the 4-H Month proclamation.
“The overall mission of the Oklahoma 4-H Program is to help our youth grow to become healthy, happy and responsible adults,” Ninman said. “The tradition of volunteerism associated with 4-H continues to spread across the state.”
More than 2,500 volunteers serve over 150,000 Oklahoma youth.
‘OPPORTUNITY 4 ALL’
In Canadian County, 4-H club members and adult volunteers help others through local organizations like Blessing Baskets of El Reno, Yukon Mobile Meals, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Ronald McDonald House, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, and many others.
“4-H has been helping Oklahoma’s youth learn, grow and work together to generate a positive and successful future for all of us for more than 100 years,” the Canadian County 4-H Month proclamation reads.
“4-Hers want youth to believe in themselves and recognize there truly is ‘Opportunity 4 All’. This nationwide campaign encourages youth to learn their potential, discover their passion for a self-identified interest or skill, and to set their goals with a determined purpose and direction.”
The 4-H emblem is the four-leaf clover, symbolizing a positive impact on youth’s growth by intentionally focusing on the head, the heart, the hands, and overall health.
Learn more about Canadian County 4-H by calling (405) 262-0155 or emailing todd.branson@okstate.edu or alexis.graham@okstate.edu
