FARGO (AP) - North Dakota 4-H clubs are seeing a decline in members.

The statewide 4-H enrollment last year totaled 5,902, compared with 7,681 in 1997.

"Statewide, our greatest challenge is the decreasing number of available youth," said Brad Cogdill, North Dakota 4-H program leader and chairman of the state's Center for 4-H Youth Development.

Cogdill said 4-H must compete with other activities, especially in larger cities.

The organization has worked hard to maintain its enrollment by offering programs in engineering and technology such as robotics, global positioning and geographic information systems, Cogdill said. An aerospace event April 13 and 14 in Grand Forks quickly filled up, forcing officials to close registration before the deadline, he said.

"Historically, we've been thought of as an organization that serves rural kids. While that's still important and true, it's been very difficult for us to shed that image," he said.

4-H is a family affair, with parents serving as the volunteers that make the programs possible, and it helps to bring towns together, said Maxine Nordick, Cass County 4-H youth development extension agent.

"It's part of the community," she said.