4-H CONTINUES, WITH MODIFICATIONS IN PLACE
2021 enrollment now open
University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources (UC ANR) 4-H Program remains an activity that has not been cancelled during 2020, with the global pandemic causing many events and programs to be put on hold.
4-H Community Education Specialist UCCE Mendocino County, Jessica Farfan said, “UC ANR and the state 4-H program has been working to provide guidelines for programming in the time of COVID-19. We are also currently revising our process and protocols in accordance to changing health orders. Everyone is highly encouraged to meet virtually if possible, and many have been doing so. Any in-person meetings are limited to small groups (no more than 10 youth) and to be done outdoors. All health and safety protocols like masking, social distancing, sanitizing, and limited sharing of materials must be adhered to. We have a safety checklist available for programming, and we also have stepby-step tools and resources for virtual and small group in-person programming. We are constantly revisiting our process as the situation changes”.
In the 4-H program, children receive hands- on experience completing projects in areas such as health, science, agriculture and citizenship. The focus of all projects is to develop citizenship, leadership and life skills in participants. There are currently 32 children in Willits actively involved in the program and 248 involved throughout Mendocino County; enrollment for the 2020-2021 season is still open. Children that participate in the program are four times
more likely to give back to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices and two times more likely to participate in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) activities.
In 4-H, children work under the guidance of adult volunteers. With the pandemic
creating an environment of smaller group sizes, more volunteers are needed than ever. Farfan described the variety of volunteer roles in the program. She said, “4-H volunteers can carry various roles according to their interest, passion, and expertise. They can be project
leaders where they work directly with youth on a certain topic. Some examples of topics are robotics, animal/ livestock, cooking, computer science, or sewing. Volunteers who are interested in more managerial tasks can be an adult advisor for youth officers like a treasurer advisor. They can also serve in positions that take on a more administrative/organizational role of the club like an adult club leader or enrollment coordinator. Volunteers are also always needed to help out with various projects and events. In a statewide survey conducted with 4- H volunteers, many have reported that besides being able to help youth thrive, they also felt that they gained skills and knowledge from volunteering.”
Those interested in volunteering to assist children in the 4-H program, directly or indirectly, can contact the Mendocino County Cooperative Extension office. Farfan explained, “You will be asked to complete a survey of interest, and will be taken through steps of the volunteer enrollment process.” Interested parties can also visit the website to get started at http://cemendocino.ucanr.edu/4-h_program/adult_ New_ Enrollment_and_re-enrollment/.
For more information, contact UCCE Mendocino County 4-H Office at (707) 463- 4495. Current member fees are $25 for adults and $58 for youth members.