4-H helping to shape Guymon’s youth

October 10, 2012

Kyra De La Paz fills a garbage bin with pulled weeds on Aug. 28 as part of a Guymon Junior 4-H project at Academy Elementary School. Staff file photo/Shawn Yorks

An almost 100-year-old legacy continues to shape the youth of the nation as it gives children an outlet for volunteerism, responsibility, economic growth, and gain social skills that can be used for their futures. This week, the nation recognizes this organization and the members and youth that continue to make it a success.
National 4-H week began Sunday and will end on Saturday However, the recognition does not end there. The whole month of October is dedicated to recognizing this organization and 4-H clubs from all over the country will be planning and participating in activities throughout the month.
Sheila Bellew, organizational leader of Guymon Junior 4-H discusses the different things they are involved in this week to help celebrate and show their appreciation during National 4-H week in the community.
The children went around the community and handed out thank-you trays of goodies for their biggest supporters in the area.
“The kids had a great time deciding who got what cookies and separating them out and stuff,” said Sheila. “So that was one of our things for National 4-H week was to thank those who have supported us in the last year.”
She also said they are very much looking forward to National Science Day where the 4-H members will be doing experiments and building EcoBots on Thursday. She said they will also talk about ecology, clean up, toxic seals, and will be exploring and researching as engineers.
“We like to lots of hands-on and science things and the kids are really looking forward to that.”
On Thursday, the members of the organization will be wearing their green t-shirts to school and around town in honor of National 4-H week, and throughout the week, different members have been taking cookies and snacks to the schools and businesses to show their appreciation.
“The schools have been really great in Guymon of letting us use their facilities and work with us,” said Sheila. “They have been really wonderful.”
As these members celebrate their organization and keep involving themselves in the community, it is important to recognize all the strengths that these youth gain by being a part of the organization with their four main values of focus; Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Their pledge recites as this; “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.”