b'MORE THAN MEETSthe Eye of the Clover! By Hannah Hanson, Program CoordinatorW e just started the new 4-H year on October 1st! We are excited about all of the events and experiences to come! What is 4-H? Contrary to popular belief, 4-H is not only for youth interested in agriculture. 4-H has expanded and adapted to our changing and advancing world. 4-H is the largest youth development program in the U.S., engaging more than 7 million young people (ages 5-19) in hands-on projects ranging from agriculture to science, healthy lifestyles, citizenship, communications, leadership, and over 200 hundred more areas. Through 4-H, youth gain independence, a sense of belonging, a spirit of generosity toward others, and a variety of opportunities to master life skills! In Arizona, more than 185,000 youth are reached through Cooperative Extension programs across fifteen counties. 4-H youth are given the opportunity to participate in projects ranging from rocketry to cake decorating. 4-H projects are led byscreened and certified4-H96.3 PLAYS volunteers providing youth a safe place with caring adults. BETTER MUSICSo why join 4-H? Not only are 4-H youth four times more likely to make contributions to their communities, but they are also two times more likely to be civically active, make healthier choices and participate in STEM programs in and after school! 4-H also provides countless opportunities to help youth become career and college ready, including a chance to represent Arizona at National Congress which takes place in Georgia every November. Seniors submit record books at a county level to then be judged at a state level. Over 15 applicants statewide submitted and eight were chosen, all females from Maricopa County! We are excited to support them as they represent our great state!These are just a few of the benefits of joining 4-H! The 4-H Motto is To Make the Best Better! Become a better you and join 4-H today! HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED IN 4-H?Find a club by following the link:extension.arizona.edu/4h/maricopa.Contact the club that you are interested in.Call the Maricopa County 4-H Office at 602-827-8275for more information. 963RealCountry.comArizonaRealCountry.com November 2019 45'