Communities across the state, including Lehigh County, are celebrating Pennsylvania 4-H Week March 12-18, marking more than 100 years of programs that aid and educate youth.

According to a Penn State Extension Lehigh County 4-H news release, Lehigh County Commissioners passed a proclamation on March 8, recognizing 4-H Week in the county and praising 4-H for its continuing service to the commonwealth’s citizens.

4-H Members Talia Fogel, of the Farm To Table Club, and Olivia Wisser, of the Dairy Club, were honored to represent the 4,000 Lehigh County 4-H members to accept this recognition.

The term “4-H” often calls to mind youngsters showing calves and sheep at a county fair.

But animal science is only part of what comprises 4-H.

With a focus on hands-on learning, 4-H members can explore technology, civic engagement, healthy living, fashion design, cooking, environmental stewardship, forestry and wildlife, entomology, community service and other subjects.

4-H is the state’s largest youth development organization, with clubs in rural communities, small towns and big cities.

A nationwide total of nearly 6 million children and teens, ages 8 to 18, take part in 4-H.

In Pennsylvania, 4-H reaches more than 77,000 members in all 67 counties and includes a network of more than 6,000 adult volunteers.

In celebration of Pennsylvania 4-H Week, 4-H Clubs in Lehigh County will be hosting 4-H Trivia at their club meetings and welcoming new members.

Lehigh County 4-H Teen Council will learn about and practice public speaking skills through fun activities 6:45-8:15 p.m. March 16 at Lehigh County Agriculture Center, 4184 Dorney Park Road, South Whitehall.

Open to Lehigh County 4-H members ages 13-18.

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is an informal educational youth-development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens.

To find the Lehigh County program, visit extension.psu.edu.