The Pearl River County 4-H program provides young people aged 5 to 18 with the opportunity to participate in a range of extra curricular activities.

The program is offered by Mississippi State University through the Extension Service and includes clubs for horse riding, livestock, shooting, sports and robotics. There is also a leadership program, extension agent for Pearl River County 4-H Alex Shook said.

Shook said the program’s mission is to offer diverse programs that interest young people while teaching them life skills such as responsibility, teamwork and being good citizens.

In addition to the regular activities the club offers, participants also get the opportunity to participate in public speaking and talent competitions and several judged competitions, Shook said.

Over the past four years, the Pearl River County 4-H Club has collaborated with clubs across five other counties to organize an annual summer camp for children 8 to 13 years of age. This year the camp is expected to take place July 24-26 at the Paul B. Johnson State Park in Forrest County, Shook said.

He said that all clubs under the program rely on participation from the community’s youth. To start a particular club under 4-H, a minimum of eight kids need to enroll.

He said 4-H in this county is exploring the possibility of starting a rabbit club, provided the interest is there and the minimum of eight children enroll.

If the rabbit club is established, participants can expect to learn about rabbits, such as their eating habits, the various breeds and how to groom them.

Two rabbit shows would be held in the county annually, Shook said.

This year 300 youngsters were involved in several activities hosted under Pearl River County 4-H, he said.

Children interested in enrolling in any aspect of 4-H can contact the Pearl River County Extension office at 601-403-2280 or visit the Pearl River County 4-H Facebook page.