Understanding What 4-H is

About 4-H

4-H is a non-formal educational youth development program offered to individuals ages 5 to 18 (age-based on September 1, of the current enrollment year). Among all the fun things to learn about in 4-H are animals, computers, public speaking, cooking, art, gardening, natural sciences, and much more. You can participate in 4-H in many ways—through clubs, camps, your school, and short-term programs offered through your county or the state office. No matter what you select or how you participate, all 4-H programs focus on active involvement and quality experiences that stimulate lifelong learning of values and skills.

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.

Motto: “To Make the Best Better”

The 4-H motto refers to each member. It means that each member will do the “best” that he/she possibly can in whatever is attempted. The member will then strive to improve the next time so his or her initial “best” becomes “better”. The 4-H motto encourages members to stretch their abilities and capacities to reach greater achievement within their own potential.

Slogan: “Learn by Doing”

Colors: “Green and White”

The white in the 4-H flag symbolizes purity.

The green, nature’s most common color, is emblematic of youth, life, and growth.

Emblem:

The National 4-H emblem is a four-leaf clover with the letter “H” on each leaf. The H’s stand for: Head, Heart, Hands and Health. These “4- H’s” represent the four fold training and development in which members participate. This emblem is protected by an Act of Congress.

What can 4-H teach my child?

4-H teaches members to set and accomplish goals for themselves through project work. An important component of the 4-H educational philosophy, learn by doing, is to have ample opportunity for personal reflection. A member’s record book will assist them in learning to set goals, keep records, and evaluate what they did or did not accomplish.

A key to successful record keeping is to wait no longer than one week to record project work that has been completed.