Manatee County Extension Service is hosting a 4-H Open House on April 29th to introduce youth and parents to the wonderful programs, clubs, and opportunities offered through the organization founded more than 100 years ago. The event is a great opportunity for students to meet current 4-H members, ask questions, and learn about 4-H clubs, projects, camps, field trips, and competitive opportunities. The Open House will be from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL 34221. It will include opportunities to meet some of our 4-H members’ project animals, and the Manatee County Master Gardeners will also be hosting their annual plant sale at the same time! 4-H is a youth development program managed by Manatee County Extension Service for youth ages 5 to 18 years old that offers educational activities, promotes life skills, and encourages civic participation. 4-H club programs cover a wide range of topics, including dog training, livestock, gardening, shooting sports, and photography. The possibilities with the 4-H clubs are limitless with each club allowed to pursue new themes and disciplines. In addition to community clubs, Manatee County 4-H offers summer camps, field trips, and in-school and after-school programs. 4-H also hosts an annual public speaking competition for fourth, fifth and sixth graders, as well as an annual agriculture field trip, AgVenture, for third graders. For more information on 4-H programs, please contact the Manatee County 4-H Office at 941-722-4524. 4-H youth programs are open to all youth (ages 5 -18) without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin or disability.