4-H is open to anyone between the ages of 5 and 18 years of age

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - If you reside in the area, chances are that you are familiar with the 4-H organization. Youth throughout Gridley, Biggs, Richvale, Manzanita and Live Oak form the majority of our local clubs, some that have grown to over 40 members strong.

But 4-H is more than just raising animals to show at “the fair”, auctions or shows, it’s an organization that instills leadership skills in its participants through research-based experiences utilizing hands-on projects and mentoring, with a focus on the 4 “H’s”. The 4 “H’s” stand for head, heart, hands, and health, making up the founding Pledge of 4-H: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.”

4-H programming is typically based on the interests of the club and guided by adult mentors as their 4-H’ers develop their own pathways through the organization. There is literally something of interest to everyone, whether they be from a rural environment like ours, which represents 2.6 million members out of the total 6 million 4-H members nationally. But 4-H is not just a rural organization - 1.6 million members hail from suburban areas and 1.8 million members come from urban areas, according to the 4-H website.

Currently Biggs and Manzanita Clubs offer the main projects of Beef, Sheep, Goats (meat and pygmy), Swine, Rabbits, cooking and photography. Then each group expands on their offerings, tailoring them to the interests of their club members. In addition to the above, Manzanita 4-H offers turkeys and chickens as animal projects, then branches off into sewing, community pride, public speaking, leadership, and genealogy. Biggs 4-H offers experiences in crop management, horses, art, floriculture and knitting alongside their core projects. 

4-H is open to anyone between the ages of 5 and 18 years of age, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sex or ability/disability. For more information on the program and how to join our communities growing 4-H Clubs, visit 4-h.org