(By Christina Ritter)—–

Summer is beginning to wind down, families are wrapping up their summer vacations and kids are getting in gear to head back to school and to their extra curricular activities for the new school year. Some will be heading back to t-ball, softball, gymnastics, student council, BPA (Business Professionals of America, choir, among many others. This might be the year your child is deciding to try out something new or maybe they are changing after school activities because they don’t quite fit in, want to learn a new skill or just to have fun and meet new friends. There are many youth development programs out there; it is just a matter of taking a little time to do the research and decide what kind of youth development you want your child to be a part of. Youth are our future and we want them to grow into productive citizens who can respect others and themselves, make an impact in others lives, and to better themselves for their future.

If you are looking for a youth organization that will help your child develop into a leader, build their self esteem, learn new skills, have fun and meet kids who are just like them, then the 4-H Program is one organization to look into. The 4-H Program accepts youth from ages five until they reach their senior year in high school. The 4-H Program of Orange County is a positive youth organization whose mission is to engage youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development. 4-Hers attend monthly meetings, run the 4-H meetings and make decisions for their 4-H club, run for office, show animals, compete in shotgun sports, participate in community service, compete in various 4-H contests inside and outside of the county, attend workshops and camps, submit photos for judging, design their own clothing, and much much more. The opportunities and projects in 4-H are endless. The 4-H Program offers projects in, but are not limited to, sewing, shooting sports, fashion design, cooking, showing livestock, training and showing dogs, photography, recordbook keeping, talent and much more. 4-H enrollment begins August 15, 2015 with a fee between $20-$25 for the year. For more information about 4-H or if you are interested in joining, volunteering or starting a 4-H club please contact Christina Ritter at 409-882-7010.

September 15 from 6:00pm-8:00pm the Orange 4-H Program is holding an informational on the food and nutrition project and the clothing and textiles project at the 4-H Office (Convention and Expo Center in Orange, 11475 FM 1442) If your child is interested in fashion design, modeling, sewing and clothes or they like cooking then this is something you should attend. Or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer for these projects we welcome you as well.