The 4-H Carnival held at the U.K. Extension Office helps hundreds of youths educate themselves on a variety of subjects. Gage Wilson/Glasgow News 1.
By GAGE WILSON
Glasgow News 1
Lines of Barren County families extended out the doors of the U.K. Extension Office on Thursday, Aug. 31, for the 4-H Kickoff Carnival. The event offered resources and information on the various clubs that youths could join to further educate themselves in one or more areas. The event highlights the office’s mission to “make a positive difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through non-formal education.”
Paula Tarry, the extension agent over 4-H youth development, has been involved with 4-H for 45 years. She was busy introducing herself to families new to 4-H and catching up with those returning.
“We have over 20 different projects and activities for members to choose from,” she said. “And yes, they can choose more than one club.”
Clubs offered by 4-H are as varied as their members with woodworking, equine and cattle evaluation, family consumer science, marksmanship, and many others. The clubs provided can change year to year to reflect interest and demand in an area. The 4-H “water-loggers” or “stream team” for example will be going to different waterways in Barren County to collect samples to be tested for pollutants or contaminates, which will then be reported to the state.
While 4-H membership runs through the ages of 9 to 18, those that are 5 through 8 can join as a “clover bud.”
The organization also stresses the importance of leadership qualities in its members. Mollie Webb of Barren County is this year’s state president. She leads the more than 650,000 4-H members.
“I’ve been involved with 4-H since I was 5-years old,” Webb said. “As soon as my feet hit that dirt I knew 4-H was for me.”
Webb was elected president in April and will serve in the role until June 2024. The Barren County High School senior plans to make the most of her time while in office.
“This is a place where I can grow,” she said. “4-H has given me so much, and I hope to be viewed as a mentor to help others see the benefit in being an active community member, and to guide our younger members that might be president themselves one day.”
The event ended around 8 p.m. with families and staff still chatting about the activities and clubs. For those interested in more information, call 270-651-3818, or visit the Barren County Extension Office website.
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