It's that time of year to join 4-H

September 1st marks the beginning of the new 4-H year, and now is the perfect time to become a member of 4-H. The county has nine clubs in which to enjoy the 4-H experience, and the clubs are: Calvary Trails 4-H Club in Kilgore; Horse 4-H Club, Livestock 4-H Club, Henderson 4- H Club, and Cattleman's 4-H Club in Henderson; Mount Enterprise 4-H in Mount Enterprise; R.E.A.C.H. 4-H Club and Roundup 4-H Club in Overton; and Tatum 4-H Club in Tatum. 4-H offers both agriculture and family and consumer sciences project opportunities. While many people are familiar with the animal projects, prospects shows, and jackpot events, there are many non-animal 4-H projects in which to enjoy through family and consumer sciences. Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) projects offer youth a new world of opportunities. Projects are specifically designed to enhance life skills and encourage personal growth, sound decision making and interpersonal understanding.

Three upcoming FCS project workshops include the Food Show, Food and Nutrition Quiz Bowl, and Consumer Decision- Making.

The Consumer Decision-Making project gives youth the opportunity to make wise decisions when shopping. Project activities also focus on the economy, money management, consumer rights and responsibilities, and the environment. During the project, 4-H'ers gain experience in analyzing information on various products, recognizing quality products, and how to construct a verbal rationale for their purchases.

The Food and Nutrition Project teaches nutrition, food safety and sanitation, kitchen safety, fitness and healthy lifestyles, consumer buying, food preparation, and food preservation. During the food and nutrition project, the two events coming up are the 4-H Food Show and the 4-H Food and Nutrition Quiz Bowl.

For more information concerning the upcoming FCS-4-H events or the 4-H program and other Family and Consumer Sciences 4-H Projects, please contact or stop by the Rusk County Extension Office, 113 East Fordall Street, Henderson at 903- 657-0376.

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.