National 4-H Week was October 5-11, and the Mission Soaring Eagles 4-H club members wrote a sentence or two about why they are 4-H members: 

"To me, 4-H means meeting new friends and learning new and fun projects!" — Annabell 

"I like all the different things you can learn and do in 4-H." — Everett 

“I like how we have trips outside of the county, meetings have snacks, and I have really enjoyed my teachers showing me how to sew wool outfits I love. — Naomi 

“I like getting to go to some really cool places I didn’t know existed, like Get Air Missoula. Shooting sports has really made me a better shot.”  — Caleb 

“We enjoy showing our animals, participating in the shooting sports program, and hanging out with friends. 4-H also provides many fun learning opportunities and ways to help your community!” — Lindy, Elise, Ella, and Katie  

“4-H allows me to learn and show my rabbit and chickens, as well as art and robotics. I’ve learned a lot, even how to give demonstrations (even if I’m a bit nervous.)” — Noah 

“I like 4-H because they have so many fun things to do, like baking, art, and archery. The people are really nice too.” — Rebekah 

“I love 4-H because it has so many options for you to do/learn, and I feel like that’s very important. Also, it can help you in very important situations, like you need to know how to build something at the last minute or you need to defend yourself. I would tell others to join because most people have hobbies that they can’t do either for lack of money or lack of time or their parents just can’t get them places or don’t have the time to do it with them so they can just drop them off with their 4-H group … and they’ll be able to achieve whatever possible if they want.” — Sarah 

For kids from ages 5 to 18, 4-H is a quality, time-tested youth learning organization. 4-H is just beginning its 2025-26 project year so call Montana State University Extension at 406-676-4271 for more information or to join 4-H. Projects range from horses and hogs to leadership, leatherwork and almost everything in between. 

    If cake decorating is an interest, 4-H has a project to teach you how. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)

 4-H shooting sports is a project available to 4-H members. (Courtesy photo)