BRYAN, TX — Brazos County 4-H gives children the chance to learn resourcefulness and self-reliance, two things Texans hold in high regard.
This week, the group celebrates its community roots by giving back.
Members of the organization not only pledge to make their community a better place, but also their country.
”4-H is actually the largest youth program in the United States coming from every background. Kiddos are welcomes whether it be agriculture, or robotics, stem, food and nutrition, fashion interior design. We have it all,” said Avery Martin, Brazos County 4-H youth development extension agent and former 4-H'er.
4-H offers lots of engaging projects and events. When COVID hit, 4-H'ers, as good farmers do, adapted. Now, most events take place outside.
”First it was really hard, heart-breaking, devastating. We're people people and we deal with children and that’s what we want to be doing,” said Martin.
Brazos County 4-H week from October 5th through the 9th showcases all the organization has to offer.
”National 4-H week is a week-long celebration of just our program and the opportunities that are offered within it, actually we here in Brazos County, we have a theme every day,” said Makayla Cruz, Brazos County 4-H program assistant.
On Saturday October 10th, the 4-H organization is painting the city pink.
In downtown Bryan, the organization is handing out balloons and posters to local businesses.
”At the end of national 4-H week, we have what’s called a one day 4-H and this is a day to just give service to our local communities."
The club accepts all ages, from kindergarten to first grade "clovers" who then become full-fledged members.
”I was a 4-H'er as a little child all the way until I graduated high school and then I decided you know what I want to do this for a living, so it really impacts everyone involved,” said Martin.
Head, heart, hands, and health represent the four-leaf clover that represents the 4-H vision.
4-H has also partnered with Pink Alliance to sell buttons to raise funds to help the breast cancer support group in its mission of providing free health care for those struggling to afford treatment.
The 4-H organization originated over 100 years ago, inspiring and providing resources communities need and opportunities students might not otherwise get.
The Brazos County 4-H program makes up one of the largest groups of its kind in Texas.