Richland County Leads Successful Celebration of National 4-H Week
This year during National 4-H Week, NDSU Extension in Richland County found innovative ways to celebrate and promote 4-H in their communities. Members, families, supporters and all community members could participate in various ways.
For Extension agents Ronda Gripentrog and Lacy Christopher, recruitment for 4-H in Richland County was a primary objective of 4-H Week. With no existing 4-H clubs in Lidgerwood, the agents scheduled a visit to Lidgerwood Elementary School to talk to students about opportunities in 4-H. After hearing about the different types of projects and competitions available, students wanted to know how to join. Gripentrog and Christopher followed up their school visit by hosting a Skills Day for interested students to get a taste of 4-H programming.
“The reception was very positive,” says Christopher. “We have an upcoming meeting with parents and are hopeful that our efforts will result in a brand new 4-H club soon.”
Existing 4-H members around the county joined the celebration of National 4-H Week and helped recruit new members by hanging posters on their lockers and speaking to students in younger grades. Several 4-H members recorded radio clips to be featured on the local radio station. NDSU Extension helped to coordinate scavenger hunts for 4-H members in their local communities and gave 4-H window clings to 4-H families and supporters to hang on their vehicle windows.
The NDSU Extension office in Richland County also partnered with local businesses on 4-H-themed special offerings. Econofoods, a grocery store in Wahpeton, offered a special 4-H-themed flavored popcorn, and Wahpeton’s 3 Bean Coffee Company featured a green and white Italian soda. Both locations posted a flyer with information about 4-H in Richland County.
While recruitment was a major focus of this year’s National 4-H Week, recruitment efforts continue year-round, says Gripentrog. They are always looking for opportunities to promote 4-H.
“You never know where you can ignite that spark,” she adds.
MORE INFORMATION:
Lacy Christopher, 701-642-7793, lacy.wulfekuhle@ndsu.edu
Ronda Gripentrog, 701-642-7793, ronda.gripentrog@ndsu.edu
