Carbon County truly believes that the children of this county should be celebrated.

Recently, the commissioners honored the Carbon County 4-H program, but noted that just because there is one week set aside to recognize these children, it doesn’t mean that the recognition should stop there.

To help drive the point home, several members of various 4-H clubs within Carbon County spoke at the commissioners’ meeting about the importance of learning these life skills as they grow.

Amanda Gowin, who has been in the 4-H program for 10 years, has done it all. She’s in the livestock club, as well as the Mahoning Valley Community Club, and has served in various leadership roles in both clubs.

“I think 4-H is a great opportunity because you learn a lot,” the high school senior said, noting that it deals with everything from agriculture and livestock raising to sewing and other life skills.

Gowin is known for showing steers and other animals.

Her sister, Daphne, has also pretty much worked at learning a lot of different things.

She serves as president of the Mahoning Club; and serves as a potato judge, shows beef, poultry and rabbits; and has learned crocheting, sewing and air rifle.

“4-H just gave me a whole bunch of opportunities I didn’t think I would have,” Daphne said, noting that she plans to run for the Carbon County Fair Queen this summer. “Without 4-H, I don’t think I would have actually been able to go through and do all the things I’ve been able to do, or even know they existed.”

Several other members, including Ben Pearson and Addison and Lexi Seiple, also echoed their fellow 4-Hers’ thoughts on the programs.

Some aimed more for livestock, while others found new interests in crafting, such as jewelry making, pickle canning, quilting, beekeeping, photography and even small engine work.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for any kid,” Lexi said. “It’s supportive and you have nice, kind people.”

Kayla Fusselman, the Carbon County Penn State Extension coordinator, thanked the commissioners for spotlighting the program.

“It is an honor to be able to serve our county,” she said.

Fusselman explained that Carbon County has four 4-H clubs — Mahoning Valley Community Club, Livestock Club, Silver Spurs Equine Club and the North Carbon Community Club.

“We’re spreading ourselves out, trying to cover all areas of Carbon County so that our youth have an opportunity, no matter where they live. ... 4-H covers everything from accounting to zoology and everything in between.”

The commissioners also spoke about the importance of celebrating youth programs like 4-H.

“I find it really rewarding that we have the youth that is so active,” commissioners’ Chairman Mike Sofranko said. “That’s what a county needs. That’s what a borough or township needs is for your to be involved in honing your skills and being ready for tomorrow. So I thank you for caring ... and I thank you for getting involved.”

Commissioner Wayne Nothstein added that it isn’t about just the children.

“It’s a family thing,” he said, noting that in all his years supporting 4-H, he has watched children grow and become parents to the next generation of 4-Hers in the program. “I thank you for keeping up the tradition.”

Commissioner Rocky Ahner showed a picture from his childhood of him growing up on a farm.

“I can tell you, you’ll never run out of friends when you have farmers as friends,” he said.

For more information on Carbon County 4-H or on ways to get involved, visit https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/counties/carbon or call Fusselman at 570-325-2788.