Jefferson County 4-H News
March 5 through 11 is the annual celebration of 4-H clubs in Jefferson County.
4-H is an organization that focuses on youth development and learning. It is a network of local, state and national clubs that offer hands-on educational activities in a variety of areas, including agriculture, citizenship, nutrition, communication, leadership and more, according to Leslie Aftanas, OSU Extension program assistant.
4-H is open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 19 who want to learn and grow in a safe supportive environment.
Clubs in Jefferson County have been put up window decorations throughout Jefferson County with the theme being "Health Rocks! 4-H Inspires Healthy Living."
Jefferson County 4-H has experienced a successful year so far, according to Aftanas.
"The year started with nearly 300 people participating in the 4-H Overnighter held at the Weirton Millsop Center. Youth enjoyed fitness activities and completed in-person livestock quality assurance."
The "Winter Update and Dance "was held on Feb. 18 at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School. Officers of 4-H clubs completed their yearly training, which is designed to help 4-H members become more effective leaders in their clubs and communities. Officer training teaches members how to work together as a team.
The event also included another Livestock Quality Assurance for youth taking market or lactating animals projects. This training is mandatory, according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
The Cloverbuds of the county (ages 5-8) also participated in a camp, where they learned about honeybees and My Plate. Camps are designed to develop life skills such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making and self-esteem. Through fun activities and projects, Cloverbuds learn about nutrition, science, animals and the environment. The program offers hands-on experiences that help young people develop the skills they need to become successful adults," Aftanas noted.
Mike and Leslie Aftanas are two advisers from Jefferson County who participated in the Shooting Sporting training and are now certificated shotgun instructors.
Youth taking this shooting sports project or any other can join Jefferson/Harrison County Shooting Sports. They meet twice a month. Projects available are shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader, pistol, hunting and wildlife, living history, archery and crossbow. Participants must be a 4-H member to join Shooting Sports.
Extreme Camp Counselor training was held in Columbus recently with 10 youth from Jefferson County attending.
An extreme camp counselor is someone who challenges other counselors to be their best and helps them build character. This counselor can also promote team-building activities and competitions to help campers form relationship and learn how to work together.
The Iron Chef competition is scheduled for March 25 at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School with the main ingredient being honey. Clubs will form teams to compete against other clubs by creating the best dish in appetizer, main dish and dessert. The teams are then judged and given awards in August at the Jefferson County Fair.
To join 4-H, call OSU Extension at (740) 264-2212.