4-H’ers and families from across the state will visit West Virginia University, July 26-27, to gain valuable education and compete in contests that showcase their skills and abilities through WVU Extension’s 4-H Days.

The 4-H Days event is comprised of contests, exhibitions, demonstrations and educational classes held on campus at WVU that are aimed at making the best better—helping youth to learn, develop and utilize leadership and life skills.

Participants gain skills applicable to everyday life. Youth build upon existing talents in subjects like science and leadership, and 4-H members participate in competitions and contests during the event.

Youth who are not members of 4-H are also able to take part in fun and educational activities including exhibitions during 4-H Days. These activities cover a broad range of subjects including nutrition, leadership, citizenship and many more.

“4-H Days allows for constructive and upbeat competition between youths,” says Alicia Cassels, WVU Extension specialist for literacy and academic success. “Youth become so involved and excited when they compete that they may not even realize that they are learning valuable, worthwhile skills that are useful for the rest of their lives.”

During competitions, youth go head-to-head demonstrating their proficiency in specific skill areas, gaining essential experience to improve their abilities in everyday life and future education aspirations.

Contests cover a variety of areas including robotics, skillathons, visual and digital presentations, as well as public speaking. Youth participate in these competitions and learn through exhibitions, hands-on and educational activities.

During the public speaking competition, participants present speeches to an audience that they prepare themselves and are scored by professional communicators on their performance.

As part of the STEM initiative, there will also be a robotics contest. STEM is a science, technology, engineering and math-based learning program offered through WVU Extension Service. This program is geared toward making youth more proficient in a broad range of math and science related fields.

The robotics contest is a two part competition that focuses on team building and robotics programming. Teams use robotics sensors and technical programming to complete challenges.

Members of the 4-H organization gain knowledge, experience and understanding of a wide variety of real world topics and themes when they participate in 4-H Days and by way of 4-H camps, events and activities that are offered throughout the state.

“Making life-long friends, participating in fun, educational activities and partaking in 4-H can help youth grow into well-rounded, successful young people,” says Cassels.

To learn more about 4-H Days and other WVU Extension programs and opportunities visit your local county Extension office or visit www.ext.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

bg/07/25/13

CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension
304.293.8735, cassie.waugh@mail.wvu.edu

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