Above: 2020-2021 Martin County 4-H Ambassadors from left: Misty Geerdes, Jazlyn Geerdes, Annie Schafer, Sarah Fisher, Anika Jensen, Kalie Hanna, and Lily Steuber.

FAIRMONT — Millions of youth across the country are celebrating national 4-H week this week. More than 300 youth in Martin County’s 4-H program are celebrating, too.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Find your Spark.” Martin County 4-H extension educator Kristie Gaalswyk-Pomerenke explained the theme.

“Spark is a passion, talent or skill that a youth member might have. 4-H is a great place to find your individual spark. We offer a variety of programs and opportunities in different interest areas. It’s a great place for youth to find their spark and nurture that spark,” she said.

Gaalswyk-Pomerenke said national 4-H week is always the first full week in October.

“It’s about raising awareness and the positive influence and impact that 4-H has on the local community,” she said.

She said a lot of the ways they celebrate the week are club-based, so clubs will do different activities within their geographic region.

She said they might create posters to recognize local club members within the school. Sometimes they’ve painted windows downtown.

“I’ll be submitting 4-H flyers to all of the area schools to provide more information about 4-H,” Gaalswyk-Pomerenke said.

She said on Wednesday, they’re inviting all 4-H members, alumni and volunteers to wear green or a 4-H shirt for 4-H spirit day.

“That’s something fun that everyone can participate in to raise awareness of 4-H,” Gaalswyk-Pomerenke said.

Martin County’s 4-H program is more than 100 years old. It started in 1918. Gaalswyk-Pomerenke said 4-H as an organization started in 1902.

She shared more about the local program and 4-H as a whole.

“Our club names are township names. But that doesn’t mean you have to be a member of the club that’s within the township you reside in,” Gaalswyk-Pomerenke explained.

She said there are seven community clubs within the county.

Anyone can be in 4-H from kindergarten through one year past high school and Gaalswyk-Pomerenke said they have several members who live in town that participate in 4-H.

“4-H is actually a year-round program. I think it’s important for people to know that you don’t have to live on a farm to be involved in 4-H. It’s for everyone. We offer programing in a variety of project areas,” Gaalswyk-Pomerenke said.

She said some project areas include quilting, baking and robotics. There is also a performing arts club, shooting sports and wildlife.

“We also have introductory livestock programs for youth who are interested in getting involved in livestock. There are many opportunities to participate in 4-H for all youth in the area,” Gaalswyk-Pomerenke said.

To learn more about Martin County 4-H and how you can get involved, visit extension.umn.edu/local/martin.