Belmont County 4-H Member Brianna Duvall, getting an up close look to a crawdad at 4-H Camp. (Photo provided)

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Belmont County 4-H is hosting its inaugural open house meeting, hoping to educate residents unfamiliar with the organization.

4-H Program Assistant Sarah Galavich said that the open house will be held from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Ohio State University Extension Belmont County building located at the Belmont County Fairgrounds.

“We’re hosting an open house event to allow families that maybe aren’t super familiar with 4-H or have never heard of us before. They can actually come into our office and meet with the staff, meet with clubs to join with the advisors and other members,” she said. “We’re going to have over 250 projects through our program and we’re going to have a few finished projects available for people to look at, to see the work that goes into the projects and what they’re able to keep.”

Galavich added that the organization’s book room will be open, where attendees will be able to come and take any books available.

“We’re really just wanting to have an event to welcome people in and get them to know Belmont County 4-H a little bit better,” Galavich said. “4-H is a youth program where kids learn by doing fun, hands-on activities. Members meet in clubs, learn new skills, help their community, and make friends while gaining confidence and leadership skills.

She added that children ages 5-8 (kindergarten through second grade) are eligible to join 4-H in its Cloverbud program. Youth ages 8 (and in third grade) through 18 are eligible to join 4-H through its community club program.

Galavich said that there are 18 4-H clubs in Belmont County.

“We have clubs everywhere from Barnesville to Bethesda, Bridgeport, St. Clairsville, Shadyside and Bellaire,” she said. “We have something for everyone from livestock, animals to bees, learning to cook, sewing, woodworking. We have a project for just about any interest area. We’re all about hands-on learning and building friendships, creating tomorrow’s leaders, community service, and giving back to the community.”

She added that although the free open house is Sunday, the deadline to sign up for 4-H is March 1.

4-H has had longstanding deep roots in Belmont County, Galavich said, but many residents are unfamiliar with the organization, so the open house will give children the opportunity to try something new.

“We’re doing this this year because there is a lot that goes into being in 4-H and completing the projects,” said Galavich, who has been involved with 4-H for nine years. “I do recruitment throughout the local schools. and we’ve gotten some new members in the past, but sometimes they come in not with a full understanding of the program and the steps and opportunities that are available to them in 4-H.

She said 4-H has given her the opportunity to grow into the person she is today.

“It allowed me to explore a variety of interests, develop leadership skills, and form friendships that have lasted well beyond my years as a member,” Galavich said. “The encouragement and experiences in 4-H helped shape my confidence and character. Today, my favorite part of working in 4-H is seeing members become passionate about their projects and discover what excites them.”

Galavich believes everyone deserves the opportunity to find their spark, and 4-H creates the space for that to happen.