(Atlantic, Iowa) – Enrollment is open for Cass County 4-H, and the active, learn-by-doing approach is now more accessible to Iowa’s youth than ever. Cass County ISU Extension County Youth Coordinator, Katie Bateman says “4-H is a year-round program for youth in grades kindergarten through 12. Enrollment is free in Cass County thanks to support towards our Cass County 4-H Endowment Fund. Research has shown that young people in 4-H are nearly four times as likely to contribute to their communities and are twice as likely to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs during after school time.”

4-H is uniquely poised to help youth develop life skills such as public speaking, self-motivation, healthy lifestyle choices, emotional intelligence, conflict management, and negotiating. These skills may be a key indicator of future career success when paired with the hard skills often taught in academic settings.

Members will join a 4-H that that has monthly meetings to complete community service, recreation, along with a 4-H business meeting to talk about upcoming 4-H events offered in the county. Families are encouraged to attend meetings with their kids to enhance their learning and sense of belonging in the group. “When you join 4-H, you become part of the Cass County 4-H family. Youth make friends in their own club and across the county at different events!” shared Bateman “Having the whole family participating in club meetings makes it easier for youth members to get involved and gain all the learning benefits 4-H has to offer.”

Cass County Clover Kid Graduates – 2023

Youth may join 4-H at any time in the year, however a new program year begins in September. We recommend that you enroll early in the year to have the maximum experience possible. Workshops, camps, ad special events happen throughout the calendar year. To get enrolled in Cass County 4-H visit us at 805 W 10th Street in Atlantic, call 712-243-1132 or check out the website, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/join-4-h.

If you have questions, or your child is interested in joining 4-H, please contact the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132, or visit the Cass County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass.

Cass County 4-H has more than 300 4-H youth and 100 volunteers involved in the program.