The Doddridge County 4-H Fund is monitored by an advisory group consisting of the President of the 4-H Leaders Association, two teen leaders and two representatives from the local 4-H foundation. It is overseen by Zona Hutson. They placed the fund with the foundation because the foundation supports the community itself and they believe that more can be accomplished with groups working collaboratively.
The fund primarily supports member participation in state and national events. The two main events with which the fund assists are the Citizenship Washington Focus program and the 4-H Club Congress. The Citizenship program allows students to spend a week in Washington D.C. learning about the government. The 4-H Club Congress is an opportunity for members from across the country to showcase their talents. The program was held in Chicago for many years, but now it is hosted by a different city each year.
4-H has been active in Doddridge County for over seventy years. Currently, the county has about 160 members ranging in age from nine to twenty-one. There is also a pre-4-H program called Cloverbuds for children aged six to eight.
As Hutson points out, 4-H is “all about positive youth development.” The group’s slogan is “Learn by doing.” The program teaches children a variety of skills. Local clubs help build leadership skills by offering members the opportunity to serve as officers. Members are also able to create visual presentations, practice public speaking, attend camp and officer trainings and raise livestock.