Penn State Extension invites youths ages 5 to 18 to participate in 4-H at no cost from August through September. During the trial period, youths can experience a sampling of 4-H projects through a series of online activities designed to be fun and interactive. The sessions will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays through Sept. 19, with no session on Labor Day, Sept. 5.

The session on Aug. 15 will focus on arts and crafts, and youths will make mosaics. On Aug. 22, students will focus on environmental science and learn to make a healthy snack of "dirt with worms." In the Aug. 29 session, youths will learn about animal science and caring for pets through an activity focused on small companion animals. Youths will take part in a science activity on Sept. 12. The final session, on Sept. 19, is called "Moving 4-Ward," and youths will learn how to participate in 4-H in the future and meet their county or area 4-H educators in person.

Youths may join the trial period at any point. Registration is available at https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/trial. Upon registration, participants will receive email instructions about how to prepare for and join the online activities. They will participate in the sessions alongside other new 4-H members from around the state.

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth development program of the United States Department of Agriculture that seeks to help young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. For more information, visit https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h.