4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation. They provide experiences for youth to learn by doing. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship. In a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4‑H in every county and parish in the country—through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4‑H camps. Based on their interests and guided by adult mentors, youth develop their own pathway in 4‑H. They select from a broad menu of local 4‑H programs.
HOW DID 4-H GET IT'S START?
4-H clubs were preceded by corn clubs for boys and canning clubs for girls. Organized in the early 1900's by public school educators who wanted to broaden the knowledge and experience of their students. 4-H became an official part of the Cooperative Extension Service, along with agriculture and home economics, at the time Cooperative Extension was officially established by the U.S. Congress in 1914. The term "4-H Club" first appeared in a federal document in 1918, and by the mid-1920s, 4-H was well on its way to becoming a significant national program for youth. 4-H is an American idea that has spread around the world. Throughout its long history, 4-H has constantly adapted to the ever-changing needs and interests of youth.
IS 4-H ONLY FOR KIDS WHO HAVE AN INTEREST IN ANIMALS?
No! 4-H is for all youth, wherever they live--on farms, in suburbs, in cities. 4-H serves youth from all backgrounds and interests. It reaches both boys and girls through 4-H clubs, special-interest groups and short-term projects, school-age child care, individual & family learning & mentoring, camping, and school enrichment. Most 4-H members are from towns and cities and they participate in contemporary projects such as bicycle care and safety, consumer education, aerospace and model rocketry, go-carting, and animal sciences. 4-H offers membership without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or handicap.
IF MY CHILD WANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ANIMAL PROJECT, DO THEY HAVE TO OWN AN ANIMAL?
No, and yes. If a child wants to learn and participate in an animal project, they are always welcome and are not required to own, lease or even plan to have an animal. EXCEPTIONS: A youth MUST purchase their own animal if they plan to go to Fair or if they will be showing in Horse Project. 4-H does not purchase or lease animals to youth or adult participants.
WHERE DOES MY REGISTRATION MONEY GO?
Each youth member has a registration fee due to the County 4-H Program. The club receives a bill for each member enrolled on or around Jan. 01 and Jun. 01 of the program year. Adult fees are also collected by the county.
WHAT IS A 4-H CLUB?
Clubs are the foundation of the 4-H program. A 4-H club is a group youngsters guided by one or more adult volunteer leaders. A club can be any size from a small group of kids from one neighborhood to a larger club consisting of youth from all over the county. These fees cover costs associated with the 4-H YDP and services as well as accident/sickness insurance and liability pool insurance for 4-H adult volunteers.
HOW DOES A 4-H CLUB FUNCTION?
A 4-H club concentrates on projects, such as gardening, woodworking, science, small animals, healthy living, food and nutrition, market animals, photography, etc. 4-H members build leadership by electing officers and conducting their own business meetings. Work together on community service activities, meet new friends, and most importantly have fun. Project meetings are once a month and focus on the individual interest of the youth. Club meetings are also held monthly to discuss club business and collect all members in one place to bond as a club family.
WHAT IS THE AGE TO PARTICIPATE IN 4-H?
Ages 5y to 19y can join and participate in 4-H.
Primary Members (also calledCloverbudsor Mini-members) - Must be 5 years old by December 31 of the program year. Primary members cannot enroll in large animal projects. Youth enrolling or turning nine after December 31 must participate as a Primary Member until the end of the program year.
4-H Members - Must be 9 years old by December 31 of the program year and may continue in the program until the end of the calendar year in which they become 19 years of age.
*Please see guidelines in regards to Animal Projects for Primary Members http://4h.ucanr.edu/Resources/Policies/Chapter5/