With the 2020-21 4-H year now in the rearview mirror, organizers are readying for the new year that begins in September.
Lindsey Burden is the 4-H Coordinator for DeWitt County 4-H and as she looks back admits things were a little difficult as the program navigated the COVID pandemic. She says it was a normal fair but this year's participation was not.
This year, all the shows welcomed participants from DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties to the DeWitt County Fairgrounds. Burden says that definitely enhanced the atmosphere of this year's fair despite the pandemic.
According to Burden, the downturn in participation was anticipated, however, as a new year approaches starting next month, they are focused on doing a lot of outreach once the State Fair gets wrapped up.
As the new year approaches, Burden reminds families in the three counties they serve that 4-H has evolved to encompass so many activities and projects that will interest kids. She indicates the rise of special interest groups like shooting sports and STEM are really drawing a lot more kids to their program.
Burden indicates if there are families or kids interested in 4-H but are not sure if it is for them, they are welcome to sit in on a meeting and talk to other 4-H-ers about their experiences. Just contact your local Extension office to learn more about 4-H.
