ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Today's 4-H Club is much more than just agriculture and working with animals. 4-H is now about developing leaders and focusing on various areas of science, engineering and technology, and the program is now being offered to Team Andrews' youth, ages six to 18, at the base Youth Center.
"One of the misconceptions about 4-H is that the program is just about agriculture," explained Matrice Adger, 316th Force Support Squadron Youth Center program and teen director. "Through 4-H Clubs, the base youth will be exposed to three core program areas, which include science, engineering and technology, healthy living and citizenship. Through their participation in this program, base youth will learn leadership and life skills through more than 1,000 available projects with topics as varied as rocketry, GPS mapping, DNA analysis, public speaking, photography, nutrition and community service."
Ms. Adger said the 4-H Club plays an important role in the military member's family life.
"Activities like the 4-H Club can make military parents at ease. Just knowing that their child is involved in an educational program and located in a safe environment with positive projects and activities to occupy their children's minds can give parents peace of mind," Ms. Adger said.
According to Ms. Adger, the 4-H program began more than 100 years ago and evolved from youth programs developed by United States Department of Agriculture and land-grant colleges and university researchers to introduce new technology to rural communities. The 4-H program evolved to meet the needs of today's youth and the nation's changing economic and demographic background. More than 5.9 million youth participate in 4-H programs nationwide, and it is one of many programs offered at the Youth Center.
"The 4-H program offers the youth of the Andrews community another positive outlet to be engaged in," Ms. Adger said. "It provides youth with various areas of technology to explore and expand their knowledge base. It also provides the opportunity for parents and military volunteers to interact with youth on projects and assist with their learning experience while helping out the base community."
Ms. Adger said the fundamental ideal of the 4-H Club is learning by doing.
"Through the 4-H Clubs, youth are empowered to reach their full potential while working and learning in partnership with adults. Having these experiences allows and encourages youth to be innovative, to experiment and think independently," Ms. Adger said.
Ms. Adger said the first meeting will cover the vision, mission and a chance to discuss planned events and activities.
There is no cost associated with the 4-H program. Meetings are held the first Monday of the month at the Youth Center at 5:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held Aug. 3.