DOBSON — As some things age, they lose their appeal to youth — but not 4-H. This year youngsters and others are taking part in centennial celebrations recognizing 100 years of 4-H Youth Development in North Carolina.

Friday, a group of about 15 kids — ages 5 to 8 — celebrated with a big birthday bash complete with four-leaf clover-shaped cupcakes and plenty of activities at the Surry County Extension Office in Dobson. The 4-H Youth Development program started in 1909.

While celebrating 4-H’s centennial, the kids also learned how to throw their own birthday bash from making appropriate invitations to how to set the table.

“This is our clover party, it’s a birthday theme to celebrate North Carolina’s 4-H 100th birthday. The kids are learning party etiquette, how to do thank you notes and party settings,” Teresa Wilkins, an extension agent with 4-H Youth Development, said yesterday.

“We’ve been doing different activities today all pertaining to the four H’s,” she said. The four H’s in the name are for head, heart, hands and health. Wilkins said the goal of the program is for students to learn about leadership and life skills through various activities.

“They learn more through hands-on activities,” she said.

The centennial birthday bash is also part of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Summer Explosion program for youth in grades kindergarten through 12. Each class is designed to be fun, educational and a hands-on learning experience.

Elijah Moore, 6, said he loves being a part of the program and especially the friends he’s made.

“It’s fun, (but) I don’t know what my favorite part is,” he said, after he got his cheek painted with a bumble bee. “Today I had fun making birthday hats.”

Emma Brady, 7, said the birthday hats were fun, but making the cupcakes were better.

“We made cupcakes that look like clovers and they taste great!” she said, smiling.

Emma said her mother encouraged her to try an educational activity so she decided to join the 4-H club almost two years ago.

“It’s a nice place to be right now, there are nice teachers and good friends and lots of activities,” she said. “We have a mascot — a four-leaf clover. I think it’s a great place to be for fun activities.”

Chris, the clover, did make a grand appearance at the birthday dash. A few of the kids took turns putting on a four-leaf clover costume and directing other students as they played a version of “Simon says.”

In between watching the kids play, Amanda Smith, a volunteer, shared her own thoughts about being a part of the 4-H Youth Development.

“I joined when I was 11-years-old,” the now 18-year-old said. “I enjoyed the community service and working with other people my age and interacting with different people.”

Erin Rucker, 19, also a 4-H club member and volunteer, agreed.

“There are so many fun activities, and I’ve made a lot of friends,” she said.

Contact Erin C. Perkins at eperkins@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.