By SUSAN MADOR

Contributing writer

Several hundred kids will spend Saturday in class and not regret a minute of extra classroom time. Judy Feldman, WSU/Island County 4-H coordinator, sees nothing unusual in kids dedicating their day off to education.

“4-H shows kids, and adults, the fun of lifelong learning,” Feldman said.

And the lineup of classes for 4-H’s Super Saturday, March 6, varies so widely, there are opportunities to try a little bit of everything from introduction to animal nutrition and pasture management to belly dancing and crime solving.

This eclectic mix is part of 4-H’s commitment to providing every kid with a desire to participate with a place.

“4-H isn’t moving away from its ‘traditional’ focus on improving life on farms and increasing production of crops and animals,” Feldman said. “4-H is adjusting to the shift of fewer families on farms today.”

Because 4-H boasts members from every part of the island, living in anything from Navy housing to South Whidbey acreage, there will be plenty of animal-related classes offered.

“Some kids undoubtedly will spend their day learning all they can about horses,” Feldman said.

“But other kids will go from class to class, looking at just about anything.”

Super Saturday isn’t exclusively for kids, and it’s not limited to 4-H members. Anyone can sign up for any class.

“The day is great for families. And parents learn as much as their kids do,” Feldman said.

Even people who don’t have kids are welcome.

“Last year, one of the first to sign up for Super Saturday was a senior citizen,” Feldman said. “She registered for the auto mechanic class so she could learn to change her car’s oil.”

The class is offered this year along with other plumbing repairs and basic mechanics. Many of the classes are hands-on. People won’t be simply listening to an instructor.

“When we engage bodies and minds, we get a captive audience,” Feldman said.

With classes ranging from practical to fun and artistic, every age can find something to captivate them.