Editors note: This is the first in a series of articles running through National 4-H Week, highlighting all the good things this organization does for youth.

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By Kate Harrington

University of Minnesota Extension

Mower County teens are leading and making a difference in their community. Mower County 4-H Ambassadors are a select group of youth in grades eight through one year past high school who lead and take part in activities that help them become good citizens and leaders.

4-H Ambassadors use their skills in leadership, civic engagement, communication and teamwork to promote 4-H, plan events, guide younger youth and serve their communities.

In Mower County, 4-H Ambassadors organize annual events like a haunted house that is open to the public ages eight and up. This year, the haunted house will be held 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Oct. 25 at the 4-H Building at the Mower County Fairgrounds.

They also help with the Cloverbud program throughout the year and at the Mower County Fair.

“One of 4-H’s priorities is to provide learning and leadership experiences that guide youth in building relationships, developing communication techniques, and strengthening organizational skills,” said Jennifer A. Skuza, Extension Center for Youth Development Associate Dean and State 4-H Director. “Through these experiences, youth find the leaders within themselves and are able to make a positive impact in their club, home, school or community.”

Participating in the Mower County 4-H Ambassador Program is a fun, educational opportunity with great responsibility and reward. 4-H Ambassadors are role models for other youth and positively represent 4-H to the community.

The Mower County 4-H Ambassador program is one of several 4-H leadership and civic engagement experiences available to Minnesota youth. To learn more about 4-H in Mower County, contact Interim 4-H Program Coordinator Kate Harrington at 507-437-9552 and visit the website, www.4-H.umn.edu.

About Extension 4-H

4-H is a youth development program of the University of Minnesota Extension.  Available for youth beginning in kindergarten, 4-H’ers participate in hands-on learning experiences in STEM, leadership and civic engagement, animal science, creative arts and much more. Through 4-H’s learn-by-doing process, youth obtain essential life skills such as problem solving, decision making, coping and communicating that help them succeed in their school, college, community and career. Research shows that youth who participate in 4-H have better grades and are more emotionally engaged with school, are more than twice as likely to be civically active and contribute to their communities. Learn more at https://z.umn.edu/mn4h.