Young County 4H ‘Beyond Ready’ to Grow Program

Young County 4-H members marked National 4-H Week on Oct. 14 by visiting the Young County Commissioners Court to share highlights of their busy fall calendar and to introduce this year’s theme, “Beyond Ready.”

“Our County Council is growing more and more active the older these guys get and the leadership roles they are continually taking on,” County Extension Agent Penny Berend said after the kids spoke to the packed courtroom.

Since August, Young County 4-H members have organized a recognition banquet, officer leadership workshops, a dance that drew more than 100 youth from seven counties, and kick-offs for projects ranging from livestock judging to shooting sports.

True Creel explained that “Beyond Ready” is a national initiative aimed at preparing youth to thrive in a rapidly changing world. “Every year, National 4-H Week is a time to celebrate everything 4-H stands for – and this year’s theme was ‘Beyond Ready,’” Ms. Creel said.

Ella Buse shared that 4-H reaches six million youth in the U.S. and one million worldwide, while Lexi Gowens emphasized the role of the Young County Council in promoting opportunities for local clubs. “We help provide county-level activities for youth in Graham, Newcastle and Olney,” Ms. Gowens said.