Whether it’s caring for animals, learning to code, growing a garden, or leading a community project… 4-H offers hands-on experiences in science, health, agriculture, and citizenship. And it’s not just for farm kids. 4-H clubs thrive in cities, suburbs, and rural towns alike.

In the latest episode of the 4H4U podcast Greg Allen talked to 3 4-H State ambassodors. Izzy Gibson gave some great advice for any young person interested in becoming a 4-H member.

“Don’t be scared to do things. I know when I first started, especially my very first year, I was so terrified to run for office in my clubs and to talk to new people. But I realized that it’s so much easier to just do it instead of not doing it and regretting it later.”

From public speaking to teamwork to leadership, 4-H helps youth grow into confident, capable adults. According to Morgan Keith, “Someone is always watching you and someone wants to be just like you and sometimes that’s really scary, but at the same time it really does push me to be a better person and I really enjoy it.”

Backed by research from land-grant universities and supported by local volunteers, the 4-H program gives kids a head start — and a safe space to learn by doing as Ani Ackerman can attest, “I would honestly say just to try everything because you never know what’s going to stick and what projects you’re going to like. I have taken so many projects over the years and some of them have really surprised me that I actually enjoyed it. So I would just tell them to take every opportunity and try everything.”

Enrollment is now open for the new 4-H year. Parents and students can learn more by visiting 4-H.org or the Purdue Extension website.

And watch the latest episode of 4H4U here: