Montana 4-H Enrolling New Members, Seeking Volunteers

Youth across Montana who would like to enroll in Montana 4-H are invited to do so during October.

Montana 4-H is the youth development program of Montana State University Extension. It offers a range of choices and opportunities for youth to learn and grow, such as learning how to bake, knit and raise an animal, or learning about beekeeping, photography and robotics. In all, Montana 4-H offers more than 200 different projects and experiences that engage youth in learning. Montana 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth development program in the state, reaching nearly 14,000 youth in all 56 counties and seven reservations each year.

According to a statewide needs assessment conducted by MSU Extension in 2022, developing youth life skills and career readiness are important issues for Montanans.

In general, individuals aged 8 to 18 are eligible to participate in Montana 4-H. Some counties also offer a program known as Cloverbuds for children ages 5 to 8.

The cost to join varies by county; in many counties in Montana, it is about $20. More information is available at montana.edu/extension/4h/join/index.html.

Montana 4-H is also now seeking adult volunteers to work with 4-H youth. The program relies on volunteers to provide hands-on expertise in educational project areas such as art, agriculture, food and nutrition, rocketry, weed science, public speaking and more. Volunteers guide youth as they learn, help them engage in community service, and build a safe environment for youth.

“Safe, caring, knowledgeable adults set the stage for ensuring a positive environment where youth can learn, thrive and develop valuable life and work readiness skills,” said Teri Antilley, director of the 4-H Center for Youth Development.

Youth and adults interested in joining or volunteering for Montana 4-H are invited to contact their local MSU Extension office. The Valley County Extension Office can contacted at 406-228-6241 or by email, [email protected]. They Extension Office is located inside of the Valley Courthouse.

Information regarding enrollment in Valley County can be found at http://www.montana.edu/extension/valley/4henrollment.html.