Staff photo by Fritz Busch Seven Brown County 4-H members talked to Brown County Commissioners Tuesday about 4-H Week. From left, 4-H Extension Educator Janessa Palmer, Calleigh Frederickson, Alex Schroeder, Natalie Frederickson, Lindsay Dalluge, Delilah Brandes, Jade Dalluge and Lillian Brandes. They talked about civic engagement, leadership, community service and projects and events they participate in.

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday proclaiming Oct. 7-12 as 4-H Week throughout Brown County.

Action to encourage all citizens to recognize 4-H for the significant impact it has made and continues to make by empowering youth with skills they need to lead for a lifetime, came on a motion by Commissioner Tony Berg, seconded by Scott Windschitl.

In the past year, Brown County 4-H has helped 246 youth members, 4% more than previous year, 82 new members, up 6.5%, and 53 first-generation members, up 18% from the previous year.

Camp/event members climbed to 25 members, up 257% from a year ago. Programs include ag robotics challenge, project day camps, the challenged rider program and quilt camp.

“Coming out of COVID, a lot of our volunteers helped us get new volunteers,” said Brown County 4-H Extension Educator Janessa Palmer.

More than 60 Brown County 4-H volunteers provided caring, supportive mentoring to all members, helping them grow into leaders, entrepreneurs and visionaries.

“In the past few months, four of our volunteers received state awards. Our volunteers aren’t just here to do community service or attend events. They go through lots of screening and training to ensure they can serve youth assigned to them,” said Palmer.

In less than two months, 8 youth enrolled in the Friends of Brown County 4-H Club, where they can access all 4-H local, regional and statewide programs. There were 8 participants in the Challenged Rider program, where members mentor individuals who, due to physical or mental disability, are unable to show or ride a horse without assistance of another person.

The program promotes a safe, enriching bond of accomplishment between horse, challenged rider, and 4-H mentor in a competitive atmosphere.

Commissioner Dave Borchert said he was a 4-H member himself.

“I was a city kid but proud to be in 4-H. A friend got me into 4-H. There are a lot of things to take away from 4-H including learning public speaking, resume writing and interview skills and lots of other things. 4-H is a good investment,” Borchert said.

“I’d like to thank all the 4-H members for coming to our meeting. You gave a very nice presentation. I’m very appreciative of the program,” he said.

4-H members can continue to participate in 4-H one year after high school graduation.

For more information, visit extension/umn.edu/.