National 4-H Week

4-H is the nation's largest youth development program, reaching nearly 7 million youth, ages 5-18, across the country each year. The 4-H program is delivered in all 56 counties and 7 reservations across Montana. Montana 4-H has over 200 different projects with research-based curriculum for youth to choose from. The "learn by doing" approach of these projects encourages youth to experiment, grow from failure, express their ideas and become leaders. In 2020, 4-H youth participated in: 17,917 Animal Related Projects; 6,504 Outdoor Education Projects; 4,977 Foods and Nutrition Projects; 3,875 Leadership Development Projects; 3,544 Plant Science Projects; 1,607 Technology and Engineering Projects; and many more smaller category projects.

4-H is the only national youth program connected with higher education institutions through the land-grant university. 4-H is a part of the Cooperative Extension System, a partnership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state land-grant universities, and local county governments. Today as it did over 100 years ago, 4-H emphasizes the traditional values that have been part of the program

since its inception. 4-H projects support the personal growth and development of members through hands-on learning where they practice life skills like communicating effectively, getting along with others, responsibility, decision-making, record-keeping and financial management.

The 2020-2021 4-H year in Musselshell and Golden Valley Counties saw Youth Member enrollment numbers of 101 and enrolled Adult Volunteer numbers of 36. MSU Extension Agent Jennifer Solf oversees the program and is a 4-H alumni.