Welcome to the 4-H

Scotts Valley 4-H is a place where young people, ages 7 through 19, have many opportunities to build confidence, learn responsibility, and develop skills that will last a lifetime. It’s a place where youth make friends and share interests, from rabbits to rockets. It’s a place where youth work together to make a positive difference in their community, and adult volunteers make a powerful difference in the lives of young people.
Projects that may be offered this year include a horseless horse project (horse ownership not required), bread-making, quilting, carving, archery, gourd art, swine, dairy goats and rabbits. Other projects may be offered based on the skills of new parents who join the club.
Children can also participate in activities offered by neighboring 4-H clubs. Many rural 4-H families are willing to host an animal for children who live in more urban areas, allowing them to have the empowering experience of caring for an animal. For junior high and high school students, there are many opportunities for community service and leadership skill-building.
The local 4-H clubs are actively involved in the Santa Cruz County Fair. Many of the animals visitors see there are raised by 4-H members. Many of the youth arts and crafts displayed in the Harvest Building are also created by 4-H’ers.
Scotts Valley 4-H has monthly meetings at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month at St. Phillips Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, in Scotts Valley. The first meeting for the 2009-10 school year will be Monday, Oct. 12.
For information: Mindy Gillen 566-1178; or sv*********@co*****.net.
There are also 4-H clubs in Boulder Creek, Corralitos, Felton, La Selva Beach, Pinto Lake and Soquel.
For information about other clubs in the area: 763-8015, sf******@uc*****.edu or click here.
• Leah Campbell is club reporter for Scotts Valley 4-H. She prepared this story with help from her father, Rob Campbell, who was also in 4-H as a child.