Communities across the state, including Lehigh County, celebrated Pennsylvania 4-H Week March 12-18, marking more than 100 years of programs that aid and educate youth.

The Lehigh County Commissioners passed a proclamation, recognizing 4-H Week in the county and praising 4-H for its continuing service to the commonwealth’s citizens.

4-H Members Talia Fogel of the Farm To Table Club and Olivia Wisser of the Dairy Club were honored to represent the 4,000 Lehigh County 4-H members to accept this recognition.

The term “4-H” often calls to mind youngsters showing calves and sheep at a county fair. But animal science is only part of what makes up 4-H. With a focus on hands-on learning, 4-H members can explore technology, civic engagement, healthy living, fashion design, cooking, environmental stewardship, forestry and wildlife, entomology, community service and other subjects. 4-H is the state’s largest youth development organization, with clubs in rural communities, small towns, and big cities.

A nationwide total of nearly 6 million children and teens, ages 8 to 18, take part in 4-H. In Pennsylvania, 4-H reaches more than 77,000 members in all 67 counties and includes a network of more than 6,000 adult volunteers.

In celebration of Pennsylvania 4-H Week, 4-H clubs in Lehigh County will be hosting 4-H Trivia at their club meetings and welcoming new members. The Lehigh County 4-H Teen Council will be learning about and practicing public speaking skills through fun activities at Thursday’s meeting.

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-H.