The CSU Montezuma County Extension office will host a 4-H open house and enrollment night on Dec. 4 at the County Annex, 107 N. Chestnut St., in Cortez from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Club and project leaders will be available to answer questions on 4-H and the youth program, Kacey S. Riedel, director of the extension, said in a press release.
Youths experience 4-H through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4-H camps.
“4-H is about developing positive life skills in our youth,” said Montezuma County 4-H coordinator Andrea Jeter. “Such skills include public speaking through presenting a demonstration and leadership by holding an officer position.”
Projects are available for youths ages 8-18, and the 4-H Cloverbud project is available for children ages 5-7. Members of 4-H complete hands-on projects, with guidance from adult mentors, by keeping a record book on their project, participating in a community service activity and conducting a demonstration.
Projects include dairy, cows, goats, market and breeding livestock, and horses, dogs and cats. Other projects include quilting, scrapbooking, woodworking, leathercraft, visual arts, rocketry, foods, robotics and clothing.
Youths and leaders may enroll in activities at the open house or through Dec. 31.
The open house is open to youths, parents and anyone interested in becoming a 4-H leader.
“We are always looking for people with skills in the various project areas willing to teach their skills to youth by becoming project leaders,” said Riedel.
New 4-H leaders must go through an onboarding process that includes a background check and an online orientation.
