October 2, 2026 3:30 a.m. 

Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman issued a proclamation Wednesday at the weekly business meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe October 4th through October 11, 2026, as National 4-H Week in Douglas County.

A county release said the proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that Douglas County recognizes that 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, and the commissioners want to recognize the significant impact it has made and continues to make by empowering nearly six million young people every year across the United States with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime.

Commissioner Tom Kress said, “When many of us think of 4-H, we think of the county fair, livestock projects, the iconic green clover, and young people proudly showing what they have learned.” Kress said, “And while those are important parts of 4-H, the impact of this program goes so much deeper.  We believe 4-H is preparing young people for life.”

The release said in 4-H, there are over 130 projects to choose from. Projects are an area of focus like animal science, horticulture, clothing construction, communication, leadership, or civic engagement.  According to the OSU Extension Service – Douglas County 4-H Program website, “4-H’ers learn by doing. 4-H is a place where kids can meet friends, experience belonging, explore new passions and interests, and gain valuable life skills.

Backed by research-based hands-on learning, 4-H focuses on lifelong learning for the head, positive relationships for the heart, community service for the hands, and healthy living for health.

4-H programming happens in and out of school through clubs, camps, workshops and other experiences.

A copy of the commissioner’s live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.