Many 4-H youth are preparing animals and projects to include in the Lincoln County Fair, but the main goal is to teach youth life skills and how to be better citizens.

“We’re super excited for our fair this year,” said Shar Perry, extension educator for 4-H and youth development at the University of Wyoming Extension.

“Most everybody thinks of our fair with the livestock, but we also have general projects,” said Perry. “The fun thing about 4-H is it’s learning by doing and the kids get to pick what they want to do.”

Some of the skills 4-H members have been cultivating include leather work, cooking and sewing. Some choose to do both animals as well as skills in the “general projects” category.

“The biggest focus with 4-H is helping our kids become better citizens,” Perry said.

Kids are invited to join 4-H at the age of 8, but can join after that as well. Perry explained how she visits second-grade classrooms to share what 4-H offers.

“I do plant science in the second grade, and they get to take a note home about 4-H to their parents,” Perry said.

The youth in 4-H choose what they are interested in and are given opportunities to grow those skills.

“We want them to walk away with life skills — being able to look back and say, you know what, 4-H helped me be the person I am,” she said.

For those interested in learning more or signing up for 4-H, contact the Lincoln County Extension office in Afton or visit wyoming4h.org/opportunities/join-4-h/.