Penn State Extension invites youth ages 5-18 to participate in 4-H at no cost August through September.

During the free trial period, youth can experience a sampling of 4-H projects through a series of online activities designed to be fun and interactive, according to 4-H organizers.

Activities will include arts and crafts, cooking, learning about pets, and other topics.

Apart from Labor Day, Sept. 5, the sessions will take place 6:30 p.m. on six consecutive Mondays - Aug. 8, 15, 22, and 29, and Sept. 12 and 19.

Descriptions of each session:

·Aug. 8: The first session will introduce 4-H. Youth can learn about 4-H and meet other new 4-H members and families.

·Aug. 15: The second session will focus on arts and crafts, encouraging youth to embrace creativity and make their own mosaics.

·Aug. 22: Session three will look at environmental science. 4-H educators will guide participants as they learn how to make a healthy, delicious snack of “dirt with worms.”

·Aug. 29: In the fourth session, youth will learn about animal science and caring for pets through an activity focused on small companion animals.

·Sept. 12: In session five, youth will learn about science through a STEM activity. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.

·Sept. 19: The sixth session is called “Moving 4-Ward.” Youth will learn how to participate in 4-H in the future and meet their county or area 4-H educators in person.

Organizers note that youth can join the free trial period at any point, even after the trial begins.

Registration is available at 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 helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens.

To find your local program, visit extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h.