Submitted photo 4-H youths take part in the 2025 Mountain State Forest Festival’s Children’s Parade.

As part of National 4-H Week, held Oct. 5-11, West Virginia youths who participate in Randolph County 4-H are proving they’re not just ready for the future – they’re “Beyond Ready.”

This event is hosted nationally each year to encourage young people to join a local club where they will meet other youths, participate in meaningful learning opportunities, serve their communities and enjoy the host of activities offered by the nation’s largest youth development program. This year, the Beyond Ready initiative continues to invite incoming members to learn how 4-H builds a ready generation with skills needed for the future.

West Virginia 4-H is a free youth development program of West Virginia University Extension that reaches more than 50,000 young people each year through clubs, camps, schools and other specialized programs, like science, technology, engineering and math education. Faculty, staff and volunteers provide unique environments where young people can grow and learn about a host of activities and educational programs, including annual projects.

By signing up for the Randolph County 4-H program, clubs also provide youths with new experiences, important leadership skills and enhanced confidence. There are two types of 4-H clubs — community clubs and special interest clubs. Community clubs meet monthly to plan social, promotional, service and fundraising activities for club members. Special interest clubs focus on a specific topic, like teen leadership or robotics.

Youths between the ages of 8 (as of June 30) and 21 can join 4-H with a parent or guardian’s permission. Younger children, ages 5 to 7 (as of June 30), who are interested in the practices of 4-H can join a pre-4-H program called Cloverbuds, which focuses more on fun and social activities that set the stage for future learning. Older members can become active in any of the seven collegiate 4-H clubs in the state.

According to Katy Dillon, WVU Extension 4-H Program Assistant in Randolph County, 4-H is an opportunity for those in the Randolph County area to join an organization that is helping to empower youths to become true leaders within their communities.

“Randolph County 4-H gives young people the confidence and skills they need to succeed long after their time in 4-H is over. Through hands-on learning, community service, and leadership experiences, our members grow into capable, compassionate leaders ready to face the future.” Dillon said. “This year, we’re especially excited to offer two new special-interest clubs — one focused on horses and another for our youngest members, the Cloverbuds — so every child can find their place to learn and belong.”

While 4-H programs of the past have focused on agriculture and farming, today’s 4-H programs are more diverse, exposing kids to hands-on learning experiences in areas such as science, engineering, technology, citizenship, land judging, shooting sports and healthy lifestyles. Club members may also learn about higher education opportunities and even be eligible for scholarships available through WVU Extension.

For information about 4-H opportunities, contact the WVU Extension office in Randolph County at 304-636-2455 or email katy.dillon@mail.wvu.edu.