PENN STATE EXTENSION

Sunshine 4-H Community Club, a club for teens with mild autism, is inviting new members.

Starting its third year, the club is open to teens who want to engage in their local community through 4-H projects, community-based service projects and socialization with peers.

Any youth, ages 11 to 18 as of Jan. 1, in Lehigh County, who is currently interested in participating in a community-based club is welcome to join. This club is specifically for individuals with mild autism. Participants will need to be able to communicate his/her needs and maintain safe control of his/her behavior at all times as the club will be out in the community for service projects.

The members of the club will select and vote on various 4-H projects to complete each year. Choices may include: cooking, gardening, woodworking and crafts. Participants also may choose to do wildlife service projects and those projects may include baking dog biscuits for shelters and trail maintenance for parks.

Youth in the club are expected to participate as equal members and members will be encouraged to share ideas for future projects and activities. Club registration will be limited to allow for a successful experience for all members. The club leaders are screened volunteers.

Parents will be encouraged to help their teens participate and complete the club projects. Parents are also encouraged to attend meetings and assist the club leaders and members with the community-based activities.

The Sunshine Club will meet twice a month on Tuesday evenings at the Lehigh Carbon Community College Campus, Schnecksville.

For information, contact club leader Cindy at 610-760-9337 or mdweber42@icloud.com.