BROOKINGS, S.D. — A 4-H alumnus and 4-H club leader for more than two decades, Shari Rossow recently became the SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor for Campbell and Walworth Counties.
“She has a lot of time and memories invested in SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Programming – not to mention experience,” said Donna Bittiker, SDSU Extension State 4-H Program Director. “Shari will do a great job strengthening 4-H programming and supporting the volunteers and members involved.”
Right now, Rossow’s number one priority is increasing membership. “In 4-H there is something for everyone – whether you live in town or the country – 4-H has so much to offer youth,” Rossow said. “It did when I was a member, it did when my own kids were involved and today it has even more to offer youth.”
Along with encouraging youth and volunteers to get involved, in this role Rossow will work to train and support volunteers and increase programming opportunities throughout the two counties she serves.
More about Shari Rossow
Shari Rossow grew up in Brown County and became involved in 4-H after a classmate invited her to attend a club meeting when she was 8. A naturally shy child, she said 4-H helped bring her out of her shell and build her confidence.
“I was the type of kid that when we went somewhere and someone would come up to me and talk to me, I would try and hide behind my parent,” Rossow explained. “In 4-H, our leader had everyone give talks – it was just what we did. Every meeting, someone gave a talk or demonstration or served lunch. Since I saw everyone else do it, I just did it too and didn’t give it much thought.”
In her new role, Rossow is eager to help provide similar opportunities to the youth of Campbell & Walworth Counties.
To learn how you can become involved in SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Programming as a member or volunteer, contact your local SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor. A complete listing can be found at iGrow.org under the Field Staff listing.
More about South Dakota 4-H
SDSU Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program is a partnership of federal (USDA), state (Land Grant University), and county resources through youth outreach activities of SDSU Extension. Youth learn and experience Leadership, Health and Wellness, Science and Ag-Vocacy through a network of professional staff and volunteers reaching more than 9,000 enrolled members with yearly programming efforts to an additional 35,000 youth participants.
— SDSU Extension
For more news from South Dakota, click here.