A group of children spanning grades 4-7 who attended a Tama County 4-H overnight camp in the summer of 2025. They participated in hands-on workshops, team building, hiking, fishing and more. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

TOLEDO – Tama County 4-H is gearing up for an exciting celebration of National 4-H Week, taking place October 5-11. The National 4-H theme this year is ‘Beyond Ready: Building a Ready Generation in a World of Change’ which perfectly captures the energy and ambition of local youth who are already making an impact in their schools, communities, and future careers. Local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with skills, confidence and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.

As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers six million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030.

“This year’s theme reflects how our youth are not just preparing for the future–they’re already leading in their schools, clubs, and communities,” said Jenny Hulme, Tama County Youth Coordinator. “National 4-H Week is our chance to celebrate their growth and the impact of the 4-H program.”

Why 4-H matters

For our youth, the road ahead may be challenging–yet 4-H’ers are succeeding. Compared to their peers, data shows they’re:

-2X more likely to have the goal of being a leader

-3X more likely to participate in community service

-2X more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose

*Source: Tufts University longitudinal study of Positive Youth Development, 2021

These outcomes reflect the heart of 4-H: preparing youth not just for the next step, but for a lifetime of impact.

Diverse Project Areas in Tama County

Tama County 4-H offers a wide range of project areas to match every interest and passion, including:

-Agriculture & Animal Science – livestock, pets, and farm management

-Natural Resources & Environment – conservation, forestry, and outdoor skills

-Communication & the Arts – photography, visual arts, and public speaking

-STEM – robotics, engineering, computer science, and mechanics

-Healthy Living – nutrition, cooking, fitness, and mental wellness

-Leadership & Civic Engagement – community service, government, and personal development

Enrollment for the 2025-2026 4-H year is now open, and families who register by October 31 will receive a financial discount. Interested families are encouraged to contact the Tama County Extension Office at 641-484-2703, jhulme@iastate.edu or visit the website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/tama/4h.

As the countdown begins, one thing is clear: Tama County 4-H is Beyond Ready – building a ready generation in a world of change.