For the 75th consecutive year, millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country celebrated National 4-H Week during the first full week of October.

“4-H helps youth to develop life skills through incredible experiences,” officials said in a release. “In a variety of settings Buckingham County 4-H currently has a number of after-school programs taking place this fall including ones focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), cooking classes, jelly making and more.”

The release cited adult volunteer leaders also lead special interest clubs related to horses, livestock and raising show rabbits.

Those interested in more information on how to be part of these programs or future programs, are directed to call the Buckingham Extension Office at (434) 969-4261.

“4-H volunteer leaders are the core of any 4-H program,” officials said in the release. “Buckingham 4-H is currently seeking volunteers interested in receiving 4-H shotgun certification with hopes of starting a shooting education club. Volunteers are also needed as contest judges, to provide assistance and supervision during after-school programs, camp volunteers and club leaders. The time commitment can be as little as a few hours.”

According to the release, 4-H alumni around the country are always the first to acknowledge the significant positive impact 4-H had on them as young people.

“The opportunities and experiences that 4-H provides youth empowers them to become true leaders,” officials said in the release. “In fact, research has shown that young people in 4-H are almost four times as likely to contribute to their communities and are twice as likely to engage in STEM programs in their free time.”

In Buckingham County, more than 1,600 4-H youth and 89 volunteers from the community are involved in 4-H.