Alaska 4-H kicks off new program year with a special day

Youths and volunteers across Alaska are enrolling in 4-H as the program year begins this October. They're also celebrating the inaugural Alaska State 4-H Day on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and National 4-H Week, Oct. 7-12.

4-H began in 1902 to teach young men new farming techniques. Today, it is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States. 4-H youths tackle hands-on projects in subjects such as health, science, agriculture and civic engagement. They are encouraged to take on leadership roles in a positive environment with guidance from adult mentors. 4-H has been active throughout Alaska since the first clubs were established in Fairbanks in 1930. 

In Alaska, 4-H is part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, which is in the Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension. Clubs are located in more than a dozen communities, both rural and urban, around the state. For more information and to learn how to join a local 4-H club, visit https://www.uaf.edu/ces/4-h/. 

This year, the clubs in Alaska have a special reason to celebrate. In February 2024, a group of 4-H youths traveled to Juneau to advocate for the creation of a state 4-H day. Rep. Donna Mears of Anchorage, who was a member of 4-H throughout her youth, sponsored the bill, which flew through the Legislature. 

On Aug. 24, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed House Bill 33, establishing the first Wednesday in October as Alaska State 4-H Day, which this year is Oct. 2. 4-H clubs around the state are celebrating by encouraging members to wear green clovers and holding special events, such as ice cream socials, craft nights and flag-sewing gatherings. Kodiak 4-H is sponsoring an art contest with the theme “Show Love for Alaska 4-H.” The winning artwork will become stickers for all 4-H’ers in Alaska. Anchorage 4-H is holding an open house on Oct. 26. For more information, contact Anchorage program director Allison Bruchhaus, aabruchhaus@alaska.edu. 

National 4-H Week is the official kickoff of the 4-H year. The theme is “Beyond Ready,” which focuses on how the organization is “building a ready generation in a world of change.”

The four Hs are head, heart, hands and health.

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