Build self-confidence: What is 4-H? It s cool!
What is 4-H?
4-H is an informal, educational organization for youth between the ages of 7 and 18. 4-H focuses on developing life skills.
What is a 4-H Club?
A 4-H club is a group of five or more youth with the guidance of an adult leader. Clubs meet on a regular basis. Members hold offices and participate in business meetings, group decisions, and community service and leadership positions.
What's a 4-H project?
4-H projects are in-depth learning experiences for 4-H members. Training pets, making clothing, repairing computers, growing plants, and building rockets are just a few examples.
Why join 4-H?
4-H is fun with friends; learning and doing cool things; meetings, camps, workshops, social activities, trips, and fairs; leadership opportunities and helping others, and responsibility, hard work and success.
Isn't 4-H for farm kids?
4-H is open to everyone. A majority of 4-Hers across the USA lives in cities.
Must parents know 4-H?
Parents don't have to have 4-H experience for their children to participate or enjoy 4-H.
Does it take a lot of time?
You choose your level of involvement in 4-H. 4-H is a family affair, allowing your family to be together. You can make it work for the time you have.
How much does it cost?
4-H has no membership registration fee. There may be costs associated with project materials and activities that members choose to participate in.
What's the 4-H emblem?
The 4-H emblem is a four-leaf green clover with 4 H's, one on each leaf. The four H's represent:
— Head: critical thinking, problem solving
— Heart: self-discipline,
integrity, communication
— Hands: serving others
gHealth: healthy lifestyle
What's the 4-H pledge?
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.
Do you get awards?
4-H'ers are constantly being encouraged and rewarded, from the pat on the back to scholarships to help pay for college. The big events during the 4-H year include:
— Achievement Night: An annual celebration for 4-H members, parents and leaders which recognizes individual and club successes for the past year.
— County Fair: The county fair is the main event where 4-H'ers can display exhibits that represent their project work. It provides members an evaluation of their exhibits and offers an opportunity for the public to see their work.
— Kansas State Fair: The 4-H division of the Kansas State Fair is for 4-H'ers 10 years and older who qualified at their county fair. The state fair is held in September in Hutchinson, Kansas.
— Leadership Forum: A conference is for teens 14 and older at Rock Springs 4-H Center. Delegates attend classes, hear motivational speakers and share ideas.
Who do I call to join?
For the club nearest you, contact the Marion County Extension office at the courthouse annex, (620) 382-2325.
