The county where the first California 4-H club was established in 1913 must take special pride in its unique distinction as the origin of a successful statewide youth development program offered by UC Cooperative Extension, judging from an article that ran yesterday in the Times-Standard. The story was also picked up in the Contra Costa Times.
Writer Jessie Faulkner put Humboldt County's 4-H claim to fame near the top of a feature marking National 4-H Week, Oct. 4-10. The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors also issued a proclamation in honor of National 4-H Week, the story said.
The article helped spread the word about the evolution of 4-H from its roots teaching ag and home economics to boys and girls in rural communities to programs for all youth that develop leadership, life skills and citizenship. The article mentioned a variety of 4-H programs, including animal husbandry, archery, quilting, small engines and videography.
Faulker spoke to Humboldt County 4-H youth development program representative Sandy Sathrum about a recently developed 4-H North Coast Youth Summit, a leadership skill-building conference. Two years ago, 4-H All-Stars came up with the idea for the summit after participating in a Sacramento leadership conference. Since its beginning, eight other local organizations have joined in the planning, Sathrum told the reporter.
Humboldt 4-H also organized a Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Expo - providing hands-on learning opportunities to local youth. More than 500 people attended the Redwood Acres event, Sathrum said, and plans are underway for the 2010 SET Expo.
