Mower County 4-H is opening its new year as part of National 4-H week Oct. 4 to 8.

“It’s our kick off,” said Melissa Koch, Mower County’s 4-H program coordinator. “Our new year starts today.

To celebrate 4-H week, local 4-H clubs will be hosting a geocaching search for the whole community to participate in.

“It’s a treasure hunt for everyone in the community to go out and look for out 4-H treasure box,” Koch said.

Geocaching sends people on a treasure hunt with coordinates as their guide. The first person to find the box and turn in the first place necklace will receive a prize from Mower County 4-H.

Approximately 123,486 young people across Minnesota participated in University of Minnesota Extension’s 4-H program in 2009 — nearly a quarter of all youth between the ages of 5-19 living in the state.

“4-H provides positive non-school learning opportunities that are critical for the development of young people,” said Dorothy McCargo Freeman, Extension’s 4-H youth development state program leader, in a press release. “As a result, 4-H youth are able to contribute and make a difference in positive ways in their homes, schools and communities throughout Minnesota.”

Local 4-H clubs will kick off their year this month, though Koch noted that some of the groups have already been meeting this year.

A number of group have been visiting community members to inform them about 4-H.

The 4-H’er’s will soon be sending out thank you letters to everyone who supports the program.

The Mower County 4-H banquet is set for Nov. 8 at Sacred Heart Church in Adams.

Koch noted youth can now sign up to join 4-H online at www1.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/