CHAMPION — Youth in various 4-H programs had the chance to showcase what they do at the recent 10th annual 4-H kickoff at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center.

Ashlee Meardith, the 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator for Trumbull County, said the kickoff is an open house so youth and their families interested in learning more about the programs can walk around and visit with the different 4-H clubs.

Club youth members and adult leaders were stationed by exhibits and displays of their clubs.

“We hope to share information not only about traditional 4-H clubs, but STEM camp and other camp opportunities, enrichment programs and other special interest groups. This event is our way to get the word out,” Meardith said.

She said in addition to traditional 4-H groups that raise animals, there also are clubs focused on cooking, sewing, clothing and textiles, natural resources, creative arts, leadership and citizenship, and hunting and other shooting sports.

Meardith said the event brings in more than 100 participants, mostly elementary and middle age students. 4-H is open to children ages 5 to 18.

Meardith said in the past year, local 4-H has seen an increase in participation from 530 to 590 youths, with a goal of more than 600 in the coming year.

“Each year, we strive to provide additional and new programming,” she said.

Meardith and Noelle Barnes, another 4-H educator, said they go to the local schools for 4-H enrichment programming, including hatching chicken eggs in kindergarten to fourth grade classrooms in nine school districts.

The two also teach financial literacy programs in the schools and also how food gets from the farm to people’s homes.

WHAT YOUTH DO

Carlie Kozak, 16, of Newton Falls, a member of Feathered Friends 4-H, said the group includes raising a variety of birds, including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and pigeons.

She said many local youth are part of the Feathered Friends.

“I went to a few meetings of Feathered Friends and felt this was what I wanted to be in. I raise chickens and pheasants,” Carlie said.

Lillian Schindler, 11, of Girard, and Alexandra Johnston, 10, of Girard, are members of the Pawsitive Pawsibilities, which raises dogs.

The two live in Girard and can’t have chickens and other farm animals, and while they can have cats or rabbits, they chose dogs.

The 4-H program helps children who may live in cities or urban areas. Treasure Johnston, a parent in the process of becoming a 4-H adviser, said it is nice for youth living in cities to have an opportunity to raise animals.

The Trumbull Hare Raisers has youth raising medium to small animals such as rabbits and goats. Advisers Brandy Benton and Ashley Oakford said while members do raise animals, 4-H is more than just animals, with many varied activities offered.

“They learn leadership, responsibility, arts and crafts,” Oakford said.

Members of the Junior Fair Board also set up exhibits and showcased what they do, not only at the Trumbull County Fair, but throughout the year.