Preparing youth to be 'Beyond Ready'

SHELBY COUNTY — National 4-H Week will be celebrated October 5–11, 2025, and will inspire and connect the nation’s 6 million 4-H’ers, 3,500 educators, 500,000 volunteers, and 35 million alumni. This year’s theme, “Beyond Ready,” highlights how 4-H prepares members for life and careers by giving them the skills, resilience, and leadership needed in a rapidly changing world. “4-H helps youth build skills that will prepare them to be beyondready for their futures,” said Jennifer Sellner, Shelby County Youth Coordinator for Iowa State Extension & Outreach.“4-H  provides  opportunities for all youth, no matter what their area of interest is. It is a safe space for youth to make friends, try new things, and discover what they are passionate about,” she said.Sellner’s own experience with 4-H while growing up played a large role in developing valuable communication skills, a love for agriculture, and a deeper connection with her family.“We spent a lot of time as a family preparing for the county fair as well as participating in the fair. That time was valuable to us and helped us build a strong family bond. 4-H gave me the foundation to find my passion for agriculture and learn skills that I still use today.”Sellner noted that 4-H provides young people with many opportunities. “There is something for everyone through 4-H,” she said. “It’s a good place to try new things, build relationships, and have fun while learning new skills.”Some of those skills include self- confidence, goal-setting, teamwork, independence, and perseverance.4-H members are twice as likely to be civically active and twice as likely to give back to their communities compared to youth who are not members. “When we build these skills in young people, they see the value and continue to give back throughout their lives.”She encourages anyone interested to join one of Shelby County’s 4-H clubs. For more information, contact Sellner at Sellner1@iastate. edu“Give it a try,” Sellner said. “There are so many benefits to being a member of 4-H, and you justmight find something you like.”