Anna Schremmer, K-State Research & Extension Family Consumer Science Agent for Phillips-Rooks District #5

Every once in a while I like to evaluate my life and think about how I got where I am today. Looking back there are several things that influenced my choices in life: 1. My parents. 2. The farm. 3. My church. 4. 4-H. October is National 4-H Month. Growing up I was more comfortable being around animals than people. I was a wall flower. To a certain extent, I still am today. I am not one that likes being the center of attention. Four-H is what developed me into a teacher, speaker, a leader. Yes, my favorite projects were always the livestock especially my steers and heifers, but what was more beneficial were the talks, demonstrations, and speeches. Judging contests prepared me for making decisions and then defending that decision. Being a club officer taught me parliamentary procedure and leadership skills. I wouldn’t be an extension agent today if it wasn’t for 4-H.  
Kansas 4-H is the youth development program for K-State Research and Extension.  Through 4-H's educational mission, we help youth to learn by doing.  In 4-H, we are committed to providing positive experiences for as many young people as possible.  While 4-H is a network of families that grows great kids, it is more than that.  Four-H helps youth to learn life skills and to reach their full potential in becoming engaged adults who make valuable social and economic contributions in their communities.

Four-H is a unique organization, in that it is the only youth development organization with oversight and sponsorship by the federal government.  At the federal level, 4-H is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
The federal government partners with the land-grant university of each state.  In Kansas, that is Kansas State University.  K-State Research and Extension administers the 4-H program in cooperation with local Extension governing units located in all 105 counties.

 The 4-H Pledge is:

I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
my heart to greater loyalty,

my hands to larger service, and

my health to better living,

for my club, my community, my country and my world.
 
Four-H is for boys and girls 7 to 18 years old.   

Four-H is for everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or disability.

Four-H is for rural and town youth.

Four-H is for adult volunteers that want to teach their skills to our youth.

So 4-H is for everybody.
 
The Extension Agents in the Phillips County office are Cody Miller, Ag and Natural Resources & 4-H Agent; Anna Schremmer Family and Consumer Science & 4-H Agent; and Kristin Nash, Office Professional.
The Extension Agents in the Rooks County office are Racheal Boyle Ag and Natural Resources & 4-H Agent, Anna Muir Family and Consumer Science & 4-H Agent and Jenny Reichard Office Professional.   

October is National 4-H Month and the beginning of a new 4-H year. This is the time to start “growing” 4-H members and volunteer leaders. There are a total of five 4-H clubs, 124 4-H members, and approximately 18 leaders in Phillips County. In Rooks County there are 6 clubs, 121 4-H members, and 16 leaders.

If you are interested in joining 4-H or becoming a volunteer contact your local extension office, telephone numbers are: Phillips County office at 785-543-6845 or the Rooks County Office at 785-425-6851 or go to the web site: http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/4h-youth and enroll online.

With over 30 projects, there's no doubt all youth in Kansas will find something of interest.   

“Knowledge for Life” provided by Phillips-Rooks Extension District #5 and K-State Research and Extension.