A photo collage of various 4-H activities

National 4-H Week 2024

October 07, 2024 Written by Ernie Lopez, 4-H Youth Development Specialist

Each year, Delaware 4-H celebrates the mission and work of our youth and volunteers during National 4-H Week, which began on October 6th this year. 

Be it through the annual donations of produce and vegetables 4-H members give to the Food Bank of Delaware during the Delaware State Fair, to the holiday tradition so many 4-H clubs share of baking cookies and gathering supplies for our beloved soldiers, Delaware 4-H lifts others and stands tall during this week of celebration.  

One way Delaware 4-H forms community connections is through the work of our after-school programs, which serve students in our local schools in all three counties. From homework sessions to 4-H curriculum activities specifically designed for these students, Delaware 4-H takes the importance of meeting young people where they are.

Brian Farkas, dean of the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources  visting 4-H youth
Brian Farkas, dean of the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources visting 4-H youth

Now more than ever, youth across our state need caring and capable adult volunteers to stand alongside them and help guide them through the academic challenges of school and the everyday hurdles of life. There is nothing more meaningful than the connection an adult can make with a youth in search of a helping hand.  

Delaware 4-H does this better and with more populations across our state than any other youth development program, which is why we celebrate, especially this week, the work of our afterschool program leaders and volunteers. The 4-H brand is trusted and respected by educators who understand that the more time and support that care is shared with youth, the greater the positive outcomes will be.  

From left: Jill Jackson, Ernie Lopez and Tammy Schirmer
From left: 4-H Youth Development Specialists, Jill Jackson, Ernie Lopez and former 4-H Admin Assistant, Tammy Schirmer

As we celebrate National 4-H Week, take some time to think about how you, as an adult, can make an even greater positive impact in the life of a child by volunteering in one of our Delaware 4-H Afterschool Programs in Kent, New Castle or Sussex Counties. More information can be found by calling the Delaware 4-H State Office at 302-831-2509. 

Join our Delaware 4-H volunteer family in providing the support our youth deserve as they grow into the leaders of tomorrow!   


Related News

  • UD’s impact at Delaware Ag Week

    January 28, 2025 | Article by Michele Walfred and Katie Peikes Photos by Michele Walfred and Jackie Czachorowski
    UD faculty and staff help Delaware agriculture professionals face emerging issues Emerging crop diseases keep farmers on their toes. One of them, southern blight, is a serious fungal disease with a menu of 500 host plants. “It can be tremendously problematic,” said Alyssa Betts, University of Delaware extension plant pathologist, during Delaware Agriculture Week, held January 13-16. “It is a very aggressive fungus; it can take down a whole plant in a fast amount of time.”
  • Horticultural Honors

    January 28, 2025 | Written by Michele Walfred, Communications Specialist, Photos by Jeremy Waymen
    UD Cooperative Extension, in partnership with the Delaware Nursery & Landscape Association, held its 35th Delaware Horticulture Industry Expo and Pesticide Conference, a two-day educational event for Delaware green industry professionals. Two notable UD CANR names, Barton and Budischak honored.
  • Herbicide Resistance Keeps Evolving, Requiring Smarter Management Tools

    January 23, 2025 | Dave Lefever, dlefever@lancasterfarming.com
    HARRINGTON, Del. — Mark VanGessel has been updating farmers on weeds’ herbicide resistance for 20 years and has plenty of reasons to keep doing so.
View all news

Events