The program is open to any youth wanting to learn lifelong skills.
Frederick, MD – 4-H continues to be an integral part of the Frederick Community as the 157th Great Frederick Fair opened this past weekend.
Kids within the program worked hard throughout the buildings to display their cows, sheep, swine and more.
Assistant Leader of the Middletown Valley Dairy 4-H club Abby Riggleman said 4-H teaches lifelong learning skills.
“There’s a lot of things with 4-H that people don’t realize,” Riggleman said. “Friendships, memories, sportsmanship, even taking care of animals and learning to put something before yourself.”
Riggleman has been a part of 4-H for over 30 years and said the program makes agriculture more accessible to younger generations.
“Dairying is a dying breed,” Riggleman said. “It’s very important our kids learn this before it’s too late.”
4-H is over 100 years old and has over 6.5 million members in the United States. Head, heart, hands, and health are the staples of the organization, devoted to teaching youth lifelong skills.
Amber Osbaugh of the Middletown Valley 4-H said 4-H is for everyone, and you don’t need to own a farm to join the program.
“I think it’s a great thing to get your kids involved in,” Osbaugh said. “You don’t have to buy an animal and have it on your property. You can lease.”
More information on th 4-H program’s clubs and activities can be found at https://4-h.org/
By TImothy Young