Submitted photo During their annual awards night, Pierce County 4-H presented the Mygland family with a Friend of 4-H plaque in memory of Mike Mygland (pictured).

Pierce County 4-H held its Annual Awards Night, Tuesday, November 19th, at the Rugby Eagles Club.

4-H Awards Night is a special evening where the 4-H program recognizes our friends, sponsors, volunteers, and members for outstanding contributions and achievements. It also serves to wrap up the past 4-H year and kick start the new 4-H year.

The Pierce County 4-H Council also presented the Mygland family with a Friend of 4-H plaque in memory of Mike Mygland for his strong support and promotion of 4-H in Pierce County. Mike’s dedication and generosity will live on in the hearts and lives of 4-H forever.

How Does 4-H Work?

For those unfamiliar with 4-H, the new 4H year begins on September 1st. New members are accepted all year, however, the Pierce County enrollment deadline for eligibility to compete in Achievement Days is November 1st. This ensures that members have enough time to fulfill year completion requirements of attending at least six club meetings prior to competing in Achievement Days.

Any youth aged 5-18 can participate in 4-H. Youth age 5-7 participate as Cloverbuds on a non-competitive basis. 4-H Members are youth ages 8-18. This age group is part of the competitive program and has full membership in the 4-H program. 4-H members in this age group can be involved in many different activities and events on local and state levels.

A 4-H club is typically made up of 5 or more youth from 3 or more families. Most 4H clubs meet one to two times a month which are led by a parent who is a volunteer leader. Meetings, led by parents of the club youth, usually last about 1-2 hours and include a short business meeting, project work/demonstrations, and social time.

The expectations for 4-H membership are a balance between 4-H project work, involvement in the 4-H club, participation in 4-H activities and events including community service projects, and working toward improving one’s personal growth. Parents are expected to help and support their child in their 4-H project work and help their club leader with at least one 4-H Club activity during the 4-H year.

Once a member reaches age 8 or 3rd grade, they can sign up for specific 4-H project areas. These projects are a group of hands on activities, organized activities, and leadership/citizenship activities. Members can sign up for as many projects as they would like with the approval of parents and their 4-H leader.

If you’d like to join 4-H or become a volunteer contact the Pierce County Extension office at 776-6234 ext. 5 for more information.

– Submitted by Yolanda Schmidt, Pierce County NDSU Extension agent