CASSOPOLIS —  New and returning enrollments for the Cass County 4-H program are due Jan. 1.
Studies show that Michigan youth 4-H participants are less likely to smoke, drink or take drugs. They are also more likely to have higher levels of academic competence, attend college programs and are more physically active than non-4-H participants.
n Myth: You have to live on a farm.
Not all 4-H members live on farms, some live in town, suburb or even cities.
n Myth: 4-H is just about cows and cooking.
4-H is about computers and money management; conservation and theater arts; camping and photography; and many other topic areas as well as livestock and food and nutrition projects.
n Myth: 4-H is too much like school.
4-H is hands on learning, it provides a place to be with your friends, to socialize and have fun.  In 4-H, you learn by doing.
n Myth: 4-H is not cool.
There are lots of projects, opportunities and chances to meet new friends and try things you haven’t done in school or in other youth clubs.  4-H allows you to travel and meet new people.
While 4-H prides itself on developing future leaders (some of whom may be farmers) it also gives people the skills they need to be anything they want to be — business leaders, accountants, lawyers, doctors, athletes, entertainers, teachers, politicians — the list is only limited by your imagination.
For more information on the Cass County 4-H Program, call Michigan State University Extension office at (269) 445-4438; 120 N. Broadway, Suite 209 in Cassopolis or go to www.msue.msu.edu/cass.