ABOVE: 4-H members Makayla Wachal, Noelle Mayo and Quinn Williams practice leading a meeting and learning how to encourage group decision-making during a 4-H community gathering held in 2022. Star Journal photos.

For the Star Journal

RHINELANDER – Oneida County 4-H wants to show the community what it is all about. The club is holding an open house, a free event open to the public, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Northwoods Center at Nicolet Area Technical College.

4-H youth and volunteers will welcome the community at a variety of free activity and demonstration stations including arts and crafts, small animals, dog obedience, STEM and more. No sign-ups or 4-H memberships are required to attend, and this event is open to everyone.

Oneida County 4-H is also offering free dog obedience classes for youth in grades 5-12 held from 4-5:30 p.m. on Sundays, Sept. 11 and Sept. 25, in Lake Tomahawk.

Oneida County 4-H is for all youth ages 5-19 and is free to join. As the nation’s largest youth development organization, 4-H is a research-based experience that includes a mentor, a hands-on project, and a meaningful leadership opportunity. According to Anne Williams, Oneida County 4-H Educator, the goal of all 4-H programs is to empower young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

“The four H’s stand for head, heart, hands and health,” Williams said. “That means we are committed to providing opportunities for youth to learn life skills like decision-making, problem solving, caring for others, generosity, making healthy choices and more. 4-H offers community clubs, special topic groups, afterschool programs, camp, and more.”

A research study completed by Tufts University found that 4-Hers are four times more likely to give back to their communities and two times more likely make healthier choices than their peers.

For more information about the Open House or about 4-H, visit http://oneida.extension.wisc.edu or call 715-365-2750. You can also email [email protected].