Bowie County Youth Celebrate National 4-H Week

Each year during National 4-H Week more than 12,000 Texas 4-H youth participate in over 350 service projects across the state, said Dr. Chris Boleman of College Station, Texas, 4-H Youth Development director and member of the National 4-H Council board.
“This year, National 4-H week was from Oct. 4-10,” Boleman said. “During this week, Texas 4-H clubs statewide showcased the great things that 4-H offers young people and highlighted the incredible 4-H youth in the community who work each day to make a positive impact.”

Boleman said Texas 4-H Youth Development is the youth outreach component of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, part of the Texas A&M University System. 4-H Week culminated with One Day 4-H on Oct. 10th – a day set aside each year for 4-H members, parents, leaders and volunteers to provide service to their communities and say “thank you” for their support of the 4-H program.

Dr. Toby Lepley, assistant state director for Texas 4-H Youth Development said “For the first time in the seven-year history of One Day 4-H, Texas 4-H Youth Development had a featured service project as part of the week’s celebration activities,” Lepley said. “Texas 4-H Youth Development partnered with the Texas A&M Forest Service to help celebrate that agency’s 100th anniversary of protecting the citizens of Texas and the country.”

The Forest Service provided one bur oak tree — one of the only trees that can grow successfully in all 254 counties of Texas — to each county so it may be planted in a courthouse square, on city hall grounds or at some other notable public venue where it can be seen and appreciated by those in the community.

Cherrie Curtis, Bowie County 4-H Coordinator, said “Bowie County 4-H members and Texas Forest Service staff planted their Bur Oak tree at the Boston Courthouse Square Park.” Youth and Forest Service staff worked together to plant the tree for all to enjoy for many years to come. Eylau 4-H Club member, Kolby Cupps said he will bring his grandkids to see the tree. He will be able to tell them he helped plant that tree. Curtis said the 4-H Veterinary Science Project volunteered at the Texarkana Animal Shelter. 4-H Veterinary Science members helped bath and play with the animals at the shelter.

To Learn more about 4-H go to their website, Facebook at Bowie County 4-H or please call  903-628-6702.