Fun doing recreational type things such as arts and crafts, fishing and rock climbing. Activities such as baitcasting, forestry camp, and photography contests. Learn about computers and Technology. Compete in shooting sports such as b-b gun, shotgun, and archery contests.
"Tell a friend about 4-H." Suggest that members tell their friends about 4-H and encourage them to join a 4-H club. Participate in National 4-H Week, county 4-H week, or other special promotional campaigns in your county. Wear 4-H jackets, buttons, T-shirts regularly—to school, club meetings, shopping, etc.
4-H provides opportunities for youth development and for youth to develop skills, practical knowledge, and wisdom through observing, doing, and living through experiences. The 4 H's are Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
I pledge My HEAD to clearer thinking, My HEART to greater loyalty, My HANDS to larger service and My HEALTH to better living, for my CLUB, my COMMUNITY, my COUNTRY, and my WORLD. This is the 4-H Pledge.
You join 4-H through your local county.
- Step 1: Go to your county 4-H Cooperative Extension office website or contact your county 4-H office.
- Step 2: Find a club or camp to join.
- Step 3: Contact the Club Leader or your county 4-H Representative.
- Step 4: Choose a Project.
4-H is a youth development program where adult volunteers provide positive, hands-on, fun and educational opportunities with youth age 5 to 19. This can take place in many different settings such as project clubs, community clubs, after school programs, camps, workshop or events.
What does 4h stand for?
Head, Heart, Hands, and Health
4-H is a non-profit, educational program open to all youth regardless of socio- economic level, race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
The 4-H Cloverbud program is an informal educational experience through which parents, other interested adults, and youth help young people develop confidence, social skills, decision-making abilities, subject matter knowledge, and physical skills. The program allows for and encourages creativity and play.
4-
H programs are offered on an
age-appropriate basis to youth,
ages 5-18.
4-H is for all Ages
- Cloverbud Member: ages 5-8.
- Cloverleaf Member: ages 9-10 (4th - 5th graders)
- Junior Member: ages 11-13 (6th - 8th graders)
- Senior Member: ages 14-18 (9th - 12th graders)
4-H STEM and agriculture programs equip young people with the skills they need to succeed in life, and are available through local clubs, schools and grant-funded programs. Focus areas include computer science, robotics, environmental science, agri-science, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and veterinary science.
Some common species used in 4-H are rabbit, cavies (guinea pigs), horse, dog, chickens, ducks and other poultry, cattle, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and swine (pigs).
The University of California and the 4-H Youth Development Program are public nonprofit institutions that cannot promote religious or political affiliations. The 4-H Youth Development Program is governed by Federal, state and local laws.
California 4-H History. As early as 1912, the University of California had encouraged the formation of boys' and girls' agricultural clubs in rural areas and collaborated with school districts to organize them. In 1913, the forerunner of 4-H was founded - an agricultural club at the college of agriculture in Davis.
4-H'ers learn skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, community engagement and build a sense of compassion, confidence and pride.” On many different levels, 4-H community service projects help communities and provide valuable skills to youth in conducting programs and gaining a sense of community.
A. B. Graham started a youth program in Clark County, Ohio, in 1902, which is considered the birth of 4-H in the United States. The first club was called “The Tomato Club” or the “Corn Growing Club”. T.A. Erickson of Douglas County, Minnesota, started local agricultural after-school clubs and fairs that same year.
The four H's stand for "head, heart, hands and health" and as part of the 4-H pledge, members vow to use these four things for the betterment of "my club, my community, my country and my world."
We know that 4-H works! Positive youth development improves the lives of young people. Tufts University has conducted some long-term studies on the effect of 4-H. Young people who are members of 4-H clubs are more likely to engage in positive activities, go to college and be civically engaged in their communities.
4-H Shooting Sports Programs
| National 4-H Shooting Sports Logo |
|---|
| Formation | Circa 1902, United States |
|---|
| Region served | Worldwide |
| Membership | 6.5 million members in the United States, ages 5 to 19 |
| Main organ | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) |
Being responsible involves being in charge of your own actions and choices, carrying out what needs to be done, and being a good role model. Responsible behaviors in the 4-H livestock program include providing timely and appropriate care, feed and housing for the animal, as well as preparing for the show.
4-H has also taught me to be more outgoing which has carried over to many of the other activities I am involved with. You can take the knowledge and skills you learned in 4-H with you. 4-H has made me a better person and given me so many skills that I know I will need not just now but for life.
