4-H Kick Off Celebrates National 4-H Week October 4-10, 2009

Kalamazoo, Mich.- 4-H Clubs in Kalamazoo County are kicking off National 4-H Week, October 4-10, by inviting families with children 5 to 19 years old to join them at a community club meeting in their neighborhood. During the month of October, families can chose one of sixteen clubs to visit where they’ll learn about a wide variety of “4-H projects” including Dog Care, Rockets, Cats, Plants & Gardening, Reptiles, Food/Nutrition & Fitness, Gerbils, Crafts, Rabbits, Woodworking, Horses, Community Service and much more!

“The Kick Off gives us a chance to let families know what 4-H has to offer them. We’re not just about livestock, though we do a great job of helping children learn about animal care. You don’t need to live in a rural area or even own an animal to be part of 4-H. It’s just as much fun to learn about building a rocket, baking a cake, growing your own flowers or creating a scrapbook featuring your best friends. Plus, many parents don’t realize you can live in the city and still be part of our many small animal projects. These projects give youth an opportunity to work with their dog, cat, gerbil, snake or rabbit and show them at the Kalamazoo County Fair.” says 4-H Program Assistant, Sarah Hoagg.

4-H is the largest out-of-school youth development organization in the United States and has been around for over 100 years encouraging young people to explore their interests through fun, engaging, hands-on learning activities led by committed adults. Through these activities participants learn leadership, citizenship and life skills that will help them grown into healthy and productive citizens.

To learn more about 4-H club meeting dates and times in your neighborhood check out www.kalcounty.com/4h or contact Sarah at the 4-H MSU Extension office at 269 383-8867 for an information packet.

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MSU Extension is an Affirmative-Action Equal-Opportunity Institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

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