October 8, 2002

North Dakota 4-H Programs

VIDEO

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Nat. sound:  So if this is the main part of a rocket, what is it called?

It's after school at Jefferson Elementary in Fargo, and these kids are taking part in a program that has been around for a Century!

Nat. sound: You got a cool point out of it…neat.  Boy, how did you come up with that Idea?  Child: My Brain.

4-H is celebrating it's 100th birthday this year.  Today's 4-H is developing programs for today's youth.

Sharon Smith: 4-H began as a corn club and canning club , and now it has expanded to include all ages.  It's not just the kids out in the country

Brad Cogdill with the Center for 4-H youth development, says 4-H has conducted meetings across the state to take a hard look at what programs were needed for North Dakota.

Brad Cogdill: And some of the themes that have emerged are that of mentoring, offering mentoring programs for youth, using youth in community development programs across the state.  And also recognizing the relationship between youth, adults, and community well being. 

Nat. sound:  (Rocket stomping)

Marion Ortner just started to bring her two children to 4-H, and she says that the family atmosphere of 4-H is what made her pick this program for her kids...

Marion Ortner:  It is something my son and daughter can do together instead no sending our kids in two separate directions

And it’s this involvement that organizers say 4-H should be around for the next 100 years.

Nat. Sound: (plastic bottle inflating)

From NDSU, for Fast Facts, I’m Trina Spaeth.

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For more information about North Dakota 4-H Programs contact:
Brad Cogdill (701) 231-7253, Bradley.Cogdill@ndsu.nodak.edu

Broadcasters, to obtain a copy of this story or other fast facts stories contact:
Randy Wald (701) 231-7086, rwald@ndsuext.nodak.edu