Kids across Land O' Lakes, Lutz and Odessa can sample everything from animal science to community service at a free Pasco County 4-H Open House on Thursday, Aug. 27, at the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Dade City.
The drop-in event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 36702 County Road 52. Families can arrive anytime during that window, meet local club leaders and explore hands-on project areas available to youth ages 5 through 18.
The open house is free.
While the open house is in Dade City, families closer to home won't need to make that drive every week once they join. The county's extension service lists roughly 33 clubs meeting across Pasco in leaders' homes, recreation centers, schools, churches and the 4-H Center at the Pasco County Fairgrounds. UF/IFAS also maintains a satellite office in Land O' Lakes at 4111 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Suite 303.
Pasco County 4-H agent Shayla Tillett oversees the program, which is sponsored cooperatively through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the University of Florida and Pasco County. Youth can choose from hundreds of project areas, including citizenship, photography, performing arts, environmental education, child care and babysitting, and ornamental horticulture.
Older members develop leadership skills by mentoring younger participants under the guidance of volunteer adult leaders. The program also offers school enrichment activities such as the 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Contest for grades 4 through 6, agriculture judging teams and a Trash-to-Treasure contest. High schoolers can attend weeklong travel programs at the University of Florida, the state capitol in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.
Families with questions can call the 4-H office at (352) 518-0156 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or visit mypas.co/Pasco4H.
Upcoming community events
- Thursday, Aug. 27: Pasco County 4-H Open House, 5:30–7 p.m., UF/IFAS Extension Office, 36702 County Road 52, Dade City. Free.
