4-H Program Update

Published: 2020
By Molly Masters

The Big Horn County 4-H program had a great year again! MSU Extension appreciates all the hard-working volunteers and leaders who make this program possible and a huge success. We had another year of increased membership with 110 youth members and 45 adult leaders. The major highlight of the 4-H year is the Big Horn County Youth and Open Fair, which is the culmination of the year for many youth. There were over 600 project entries. Thanks to our generous community, the animal project sale generated $238,641 (about a 22% increase over last year’s sale) in funds that youth use to invest in their future. Throughout the year, there are several other opportunities for youth to participate. One of these highlight events was 'Can Clean Up for Cash.' 4-H members spent time collecting aluminum cans to recycle, and more than 20 youth and adults bagged cans for two hours, collecting over 800 pounds of aluminum. The local recycling center donated their profit back to the 4-H program. The money will go towards a 4-H exchange trip with another state, which will further expand learning experiences for the youth. Another highlight in the Big Horn County 4-H program this year was receiving a National Rifle Association Foundation Grant worth $8,500. This award came in the form of equipment and supplies for the Big Horn County 4-H Shooting Sports Program, which consists of Archery, Shotgun, Pistol and Air Rifle disciplines and focuses on consistent safety procedures when using shooting sports equipment. Many youth who wouldn’t have been able to participate because of financial burden were able to excel in this project.