October 1 marked the start of a new 4-H year, bringing new opportunities for both youths, ages 5-18, and for adult volunteers.

Many 4-H clubs will enroll new members in the coming months as they gear up for the upcoming project year. Current members will be able to sign up for projects ranging from livestock, clothing and culinary to robotics, photography and crafts. Adults will have the opportunity to organize and lead new clubs as well as support 4-H programming and events.

“4-H is a youth development program that is more relevant today than ever before,” says Allison Smith, assistant 4-H director. “It provides opportunities for youths to connect in meaningful ways with those around them and develop a sense of belonging.”

This past 4-H year, 933 youths and 269 volunteers were involved in University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H clubs. Among the most popular projects were horse (282 youths), dairy (235) and shooting sports (108).

There were 2,602 participants, both 4-H members and non-4-H’ers, who took part in 4-H special interest and short-term programs, including VTeen 4-H Science Pathways Cafés, AgroTek and afterschool programs. An additional 546 adult volunteers and 130 4-H teens assisted with these and other 4-H programs and events.

Vermont 4-H also continues to add new staff to support 4-H programming. Recently, Amber Thibodeau was hired as the new 4-H educator for Windham and Windsor Counties and is based in the UVM Extension office in Brattleboro. Jacob Holzberg-Pill, housed in Extension’s South Burlington office, will handle special projects, including a partnership with the Association of Africans Living in Vermont as part of a five-year grant.

“4-H uses hands-on learning to help youths develop life skills, engage in community service, form lasting friendships and be mentored by caring adults,” Smith says. “When all these ingredients come together, 4-H helps them thrive by developing their sense of mastery in learning new skills and hopeful purpose in connecting with their community.”

To learn more about joining a 4-H club or becoming an adult 4-H volunteer, contact the UVM Extension State 4-H Office, toll-free at (800) 571-0668. For information about upcoming events, visit www.uvm.edu/extension/youth/announcements. 4-H alumni also are encouraged to reconnect with 4-H through social media (https://www.facebook.com/Vermont4H) or by becoming a 4-H volunteer.