Hundreds of West Virginia 4-H club members and volunteers will learn about the state’s lawmaking process and meet their respective legislators during”4-H Day at the Legislature”Thursday (Feb. 20) in Charleston.

The group’s activities begin with a discussion about functions of the three branches of state government and how bills become laws. Youth will have the opportunity to meet state senators and delegates from their respective areas and inquire about the legislative process. Several 4-H members will serve as legislative pages during the session.

The group will observe democracy and their legislators in action during morning floor sessions in both chambers. Selected 4-H members will sing the national anthem, under the direction of Michele Hale from BerkeleyCounty, a member of the 4-H All-Stars.

After watching the lawmaking procedures, the 4-H’ers will tour the Capitol Complex and the West VirginiaCulturalCenter.

“This special event allows 4-H club members the chance to learn how our state laws are made and watch the process behind it,”said David Snively, assistant director for county operations, WVU Extension Service.”They get to meet the people responsible for creating the legislation. For many, it is an experience they will never forget.”

Last year, more than 300 4-H members from 25 West Virginia counties participated in”4-H Day at the Legislature.”

The West Virginia 4-H program encourages the development of life skills, positive self-esteem, active citizenship and service in each member. The WVU Extension Service operates the state 4-H program through local offices in every county and reaches 44,000 youths statewide. The members are supported by more than 7,600 adult volunteers