Do you enjoy rockets, cooking, public speaking or building things?

If so, you need to join Shelby County 4-H. You may ask, “What is 4-H?” Well, 4-H is a learning-by-doing educational program for boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade.

This program involves “any kid, any time … anywhere” through one-time events, camps, organized 4-H clubs and activities.

Youth have an array of choices in 4-H experience. Shelby County programs alone include a horse club, archery club, shooting sports club and wildlife club. They also include your basic community clubs, which cover an array of topics. All of the clubs participate in a variety of competitions as well.

For almost 100 years, Alabama 4-H has helped young people become resourceful citizens and responsible leaders.

Alabama 4-H also teaches leadership skills because of its commitment to positive youth development.

The mission of 4-H is to serve all youth, especially those in urban and rural areas who are at a disadvantage because of life’s circumstances.

At the present time, Shelby County 4-H has 273 4-H members, four in-school clubs, 11 community clubs and 31 Volunteers.

Shelby County 4-H is always looking for great 4-H volunteers. If you enjoy volunteering and enjoy making a difference in children’s lives, then you should become a 4-H volunteer.

As a 4-H volunteer you will have the opportunity to start your on 4-H program in your community, school or church.

The first step to becoming an Alabama 4-H volunteer is to complete the Alabama 4-H volunteer application.

You can pick up an application at the Shelby County Extension Office.

If you are interested in joining Shelby County 4-H or becoming a 4-H volunteer, please contact Joy Maxwell, 4-H and youth development regional extension agent, at the Shelby County Extension Office at 669-6763 or at 612-2790.

Joy Maxwell is a regional extension agent with the Shelby County Extension Office. She can be reached at 669–6763.