This year’s National 4-H Week is October 5–11, and the theme is Beyond Ready! 

National 4-H Week is a time to celebrate the impact of 4-H and the ways it helps young people prepare for college, careers, and life. Across North Carolina, 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will come together to showcase how 4-H youth are not just ready for the future, but how they are Beyond Ready.

Each day of the week features a special theme, giving youth and clubs the chance to highlight different parts of the 4-H experience:

Sunday, October 5 – Kickoff

National 4-H Week begins with excitement and pride. This day is about starting strong by sharing what 4-H means to you and how it has shaped your journey. Members, volunteers, alumni, and supporters are encouraged to reflect on their favorite experiences, the friendships made, and the lessons learned through 4-H. By celebrating together, we show the strength of our community and the impact 4-H has across generations.

Monday, October 6 – Go Green

On this nationwide day of action, 4-H members, volunteers, and alumni across the country wear green to showcase the power of the clover. From green shirts and hats to creative accessories, anything green is a way to display pride in 4-H. This day represents unity, spirit, and excitement as we “paint the nation green” to celebrate the movement that prepares youth to be Beyond Ready.

Tuesday, October 7 – Get Creative

Creativity is at the heart of 4-H hands-on learning. This day highlights the many talents and skills that members bring to life through projects, art, science, cooking, photography, robotics, and more. It’s about exploring new ideas, showing innovation, and sharing the joy of creating something unique. By showcasing these skills, members not only demonstrate their growth but also inspire others to try something new.

Wednesday, October 8 – Get Healthy

Health is one of the four H’s and an important part of being Beyond Ready. This day shines a light on caring for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From fitness activities and outdoor adventures to healthy recipes and practices that support mental wellness, 4-H encourages healthy lifestyles that last a lifetime. It’s also a chance to share resources, tips, and projects that support wellness for ourselves and our communities.

Thursday, October 9 – 4-H for Good

This national day of action is dedicated to service, kindness, and making a difference. It’s a time to recognize all the good that 4-H members, volunteers, and educators do in their communities and beyond. Whether through organized service projects, small acts of kindness, or personal stories of giving back, this day reminds us that 4-H empowers youth to lead with their hearts and create positive change.

Friday, October 10 – Grow Your Future

4-H prepares young people for leadership, careers, and lifelong success. This day focuses on looking ahead, celebrating the skills learned in 4-H, and showing how those skills open doors to the future. Members can share their dreams, career goals, and leadership experiences while reflecting on how 4-H has prepared them for what’s next. It’s also a chance to inspire younger members by highlighting the opportunities that come with growing through 4-H.

Saturday, October 11 – Celebrate

The final day of National 4-H Week is all about celebration. It’s a time to reflect on the accomplishments of the week, honor the achievements of members and volunteers, and recognize the impact of 4-H in our communities. Whether through photos, stories, recognition events, or fun gatherings, this day brings everyone together to celebrate the memories made and the difference 4-H continues to make year after year.

North Carolina 4-H youth are living out these themes every day. Whether it’s leading a service project, exploring STEM through hands-on learning, building leadership skills in their clubs, or finding healthier ways to live, 4-H members are growing into leaders who make a difference in their communities.

Dr. Mike Yoder, State 4-H Program Leader, shared his perspective on the importance of National 4-H Week.

“As we get ready to celebrate National 4-H Week, each of us, youth, volunteers, youth development professionals, alumni, and friends of 4-H, should take a moment to contemplate what 4-H has done for us. I know 4-H provided opportunities I would not otherwise have had. For that I am thankful. Take time this week to celebrate 4-H by wearing green, serving others, and sharing your 4-H story with others. 4-H is still the largest youth serving entity in the United States and for good reason, it changes lives by developing life skills that prepare youth to be Beyond Ready.”

By participating in National 4-H Week, communities can highlight how 4-H programs build essential life skills, encourage personal growth, and empower young people to make a lasting impact. Whether it’s inspiring the next generation of leaders or simply sharing the joy of learning and creating, every story and every action helps show the powerful effect of 4-H in North Carolina.

Throughout the week, counties are encouraged to document and share their activities online, using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek, and tagging the official National 4-H and North Carolina 4-H social media accounts to help spread the message of 4-H’s positive influence far and wide. You can also check out the printable National 4-H Week 2025 Flyer for a quick overview of events.