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Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Oklahoma State University 4-H Youth Development Program 205 4-H Youth Development Bldg., Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-6063, (405) 744-5390, Fax (405) 744-6522

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Julia Burnett Phone: 405-744-7960 Email: [email protected] Date: October, 1st, 2005 Make Your 4-H Connection

STILLWATER, Okla. –October is 4-H month, and 4-H’ers across Oklahoma will be celebrating over 100 years of tradition by participating in many activities throughout the state. This is an outstanding opportunity to get to know 4-H whether again or for the first time.

The face of 4-H has changed; no longer is the organization just for the rural youth of Oklahoma. Today, 4-H is for everyone. With growing and changing demographics, the educational focus has changed as well. Oklahoma 4-H focuses on youth development pertaining to personal growth, decision making, youth in governance and increasing knowledge and understanding of science, technology and the environment.

Today’s 4-H’ers are using the lasted technologies such as Global Positioning Systems to record their favorite places in the county. 4-H’ers all over the United States are posting the latitude and longitude locations, pictures and a brief description of their “Favorite 4-H Place” to the National 4-H website. Youth have a chance to use new technologies, read about other 4-H Youth Favorite Places, and at the same time hope to bring tourism to their area.

“It is important that our youth have the skills necessary to obtain good jobs in the future. These skills and technologies are becoming commonplace in many careers,” said Beth Crumpler, Beaver County 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator.

4-H’ers in Beaver County attended a Money Management workshop. In a game setting, youth learned to balance a checkbook, manage a savings and checking account through a series of deposits and paying bills. At the completion of the workshop, they were able to use their remaining play money to buy prizes.

4-H teaches youth life skills such as decision-making, goal setting, leadership and citizenship. It welcomes all young people to participate in a “learning–by-doing” environment where they are able to actively participate in hands-on experiences and make a lasting impact in their communities.

If you would like to learn more about 4-H activities in your area or to Make your 4-H Connection, contact your county Extension Office or visit the Oklahoma State 4-H website at http://clover.okstate.edu/fourh/. Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Government Cooperating. In compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 was amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, American with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of this policies, practices or procedures. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Oklahoma State University 4-H Youth Development Program 205 4-H Youth Development Bldg., Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-6063, (405) 744-5390, Fax (405) 744-6522 ###

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Government Cooperating. In compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 was amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, American with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of this policies, practices or procedures. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.