From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in Cass County are proving they’re not just ready for the future – they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 4–10, 2026, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.
Cass County 4-H will be hosting our annual Fall Fest on Sunday, October 11th from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Cass County Community Building. The community is invited to come out for an afternoon of family fun! Current 4-H members will be at the event to showcase Cass County 4-H. All are welcome to join in on the fun and see what 4-H is all about. There will be a giant slide and various games and activities for the whole family to participate in. Fall Fest will be a fun event for all ages to come out and celebrate National 4-H Week! You are invited to follow Cass County 4-H on the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CassCoIAExt or search for “Cass County Iowa 4H” on Instagram.
Keep an eye out for Cass County 4-H members, volunteers, and supporters showing their 4-H pride during National 4-H Week. Many of our local 4-H clubs will be creating window displays in local businesses. Other clubs will be doing special events and activities during the week, such as wearing 4-H shirts to school or doing service projects around their community!
In addition, the Iowa 4-H Foundation and Cass County 4-H are partnering to host the Iowa 4-H Giving Day (www.iowa4Hgivingday.org), a special 24-hour event, on October 6th at noon until October 7th at noon. 4-H supporters can donate online or in person to support programs at the county or state level! All the money raised will stay with the Cass County 4-H Endowment Fund to support programs and yearly enrollment fees for our members.
As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events.
“National 4-H Week is a powerful reminder that young people are already leading in extraordinary ways,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth discover their strengths, build lifelong career and life skills, and create opportunities for real change in their communities. They aren’t waiting for tomorrow — they are stepping up today and are Beyond Ready.”
4-H members are 4 times more likely to give back to their communities and 2 times more likely to make healthier choices than their peers not in the program, according to a recent National 4-H Index study. 4-H sets youth up for success! Cass County 4-H has more than 250 youth and 100 volunteers. Are you wondering if 4-H is for you?
To learn more about 4-H and how to join, contact the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132. You can follow us on Facebook @CassCoIAExt or visit the Cass County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass.
