Peggy R. Anderson

Extension Agent

October 6, 2010

Show Your 4-H Spirit This Week! 

During the volleyball match between the Divide County Maroons and the Burke County Titans in Crosby on Thursday, October 7^th 4-H green will be hitting the stands. Come and see what’s happening and if possible wear something 4-H. Would be great to see a sea of 4-H Clovers around!!

It’s National 4-H Week! 

Do you know what each of the H’s in 4-H stand for? Listen to our pledge:  I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service3, and my Health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world”. The 4-H Pledge tells what 4-H is all about. It has been a part of the 4-H program since 1927. 

In 4-H, youth participate in hands-on experiences that prepare them for life. Youth are involved with garden and horticulture projects, livestock projects, they learn to give public presentations at an early age and make wise consumer choices, youth are involved in recycling programs, assist with leadership in their clubs and county and bring examples of their projects to the county and state fair. Many of us have enjoyed the awesome baked items during the bake sale held at the Burke and Divide County Fair during the judging of those 4-H exhibits.  Youth have the opportunity to learn leisure art skills that can become a hobby throughout life or as a profession such as photography or leather craft.  

The 4-H youth in Burke and Divide County are a group of very talented young people. That wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t have the help of every parent and volunteer leader to call the meetings together, drive 4-Hers to events, help with those projects at club meetings and at home and be the ultimate supporter of those young people. 

We are always looking for families that are interested in being a part of the 4-H community. If you want to give your children an experience that will stay with them for a lifetime or if you are willing to help as volunteer leader please give me a call at the Burke County Extension Office at 377-2927 or the Divide County Extension Office at 965-6501.

4-H Clubs Practice Eating Smart, Playing Hard

Fifteen 4-H clubs were recognized for demonstrating their commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

The Healthy North Dakota 4-H Clubs program recognized 15 clubs for eating smart and playing hard in 2009-10.

Those North Dakota 4-H clubs, with a total of 243 members, earned the special recognition for making “Eat Smart. Play Hard.” lessons part of their club meetings for the past year. Two clubs also earned extra recognition for completing the “Family Mealtime Challenge.”

“Eat Smart. Play Hard. Together” is a statewide campaign that emphasizes the importance of making healthy food choices, getting regular exercise and families eating together. The North Dakota State University Extension Service and Bison Athletics teamed up to launch the initiative in 2005.

This was the third or fourth year some clubs were named Healthy North Dakota 4-H clubs. This year, each club member received a certificate of recognition and an “Eat Smart. Play Hard.” fabric flying disc and banner pen.

The Flickertail 4-H Club of Divide County has received the Healthy North Dakota 4-H Club recognition. This is the fourth year members of the Flickertails 4-H Club has received this honor.

“These 4-H clubs have shown a commitment to a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious foods and regular physical activity,” says Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension food and nutrition specialist and Healthy North Dakota 4-H Clubs program coordinator. “These healthy habits will provide benefits for the rest of their lives.”

Clubs are required to incorporate at least one nutrition or fitness activity into a minimum of six regular meetings during the year to be named a Healthy North Dakota 4-H Club.

Other activities that helped clubs earn recognition included taking walks, fishing, playing tag, skiing, swimming and competing in a children’s rodeo; attending demonstrations on CPR and hand washing; learning how to make homemade hand sanitizer; conducting a food drive for a local food pantry; helping with Meals on Wheels; and taking care of gardens in the community.

But for many clubs, eating smart and playing hard aren’t just club activities; they involve the whole family.

4-H Clubs interested in participating in the 2010-11 North Dakota Healthy 4-H Clubs program should contact their county Extension office.

Schedule

Wednesday, October 6 – Burke County

Thursday, October 7 – Divide County

Friday, October 8 – Burke County

Monday, October 11 – Burke County

Tuesday, October 12 – Divide County