What Is 4-H?

What is 4-H?

4-H is a youth development program of Penn State Cooperative Extension. It fosters citizenship and leadership as well as growth through a a variety of learning experiences. As a 4-H member, your child will participate in a variety of learning experiences. 4-Her's "learn by doing" through involvement in projects. 4-H members make new friends and learn to work and play with other young people and adults. They develop self-confidence by speaking before groups and receiving recognition for their achievements.

4-H Serves Youth, Families, and the Community

In 4-H, kids and adults spend time together, learning new skills, developing hidden talents, making new friends and having fun. The goal of 4-H is to help kids develop as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens in their communities. 4-H is a "learn-by-doing" program for kids...and adults.

What is a 4-H group or club?

Boys and girls ages eight to 19 meet to plan and direct their own programs under the leadership of adult volunteers. They may belong to an organized club or special interest group, participate in a school enrichment program, or study alone with a parent other adult. They may belong to and meet on a formal basis with elected officers and hold regular meetings or meet informally to work on their projects.

What is a 4-H project?

Projects are tools used in teaching 4-H members responsibility and decision making. Working on a 4-H project enables a 4-H'er to learn about a variety of subjects or develop a skill. A Pennsylvania member may choose from over 150 projects, including gardening, sewing, pet care, rocketry, careers, wildlife, livestock, horses, food and nutrition, child care.

Who can participate in 4-H?

Now that your child is a 4-H member, the whole family can participate. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, brothers, sisters,--everyone in the family can be a part of the 4-H experience, together! Today, many families become fragmented because of jobs and individual interests. 4-H offers many opportunities for families to do things together. Picnics, fairs, trips, camps, shows, and special club and county-wide events are designed for family participation. You and your family are invited to become a 4-H family.

4-H Provides Leadership and Training

Adult Volunteer Leaders are the backbone of the 4-H program. They play a crucial role by helping members in project groups. Adults are knowledgeable in the project area in which they are working and also receive assistance from Penn State Cooperative Extension. Adult leaders are recognized at an annual Leaders' Banquet.

Teen Leaders are older members of the 4-H that are knowledgeable about 4-H projects that they have taken and can help the younger members complete these projects.

Opportunities in 4-H

Regional

Preteen Retreat: Ages 10-12; held at Refreshing Mountain Camp in Lancaster County for 3 days and 2 nights.

4-H Camp Shehaqua: Hickory Run State Park in Carbon County for ages 8-13; Counselor and Counselor-In-Training programs for teens ages 14-19.

Leadership Conference: Teens ages 13-16; focuses on leadership and communication skills held at Lebanon Valley College.

Regional Fashion Revue: Textile Projects are evaluated—both Jr. and Sr. divisions.

State

(These are activities for older youth ages 13-18 and are held at PSU, University Park)

State Achievement Days: Contests are held in a variety of areas e.g. dairy judging, textile contest, plant science, canine bowl, horse judging, livestock judging, etc.

State Ambassadors Conference: Focuses on Communication Skills—speaking, radio, video taping, etc.

State Capital Days (held in Harrisburg): Members learn about the State Government, meet Legislators, and see state government in action. Spend 2 days and 1 night in Harrisburg.

National

Northeast Regional 4-H Leader Forum: Adult volunteers share ideas and attend hands-on workshops.

National 4-H Congress: Spend 5 days in Atlanta, Georgia with other 4-H members from throughout the United States; tour points of interest, hear speakers, participate in workshops and group discussions related to issues facing youth.

Join the Fun, Join 4-H!

4-H charges no county dues to join. However, some individual clubs may charge dues or hold fund raisers to cover the cost of activities the clubs do, or for things they may want to buy. Some projects may also involve costs for materials used in the project.

4-H has a monthly newsletter which goes to all members, leaders, parents and interested persons.

4-H is fun...for members, for leaders and for the whole family.

4-H is...Head, Heart, Hands and Health.