4-H is the youth component of the Cooperative Extension's nationwide educational network. The program is conducted by the Cooperative Extension System through the United States Department of Agriculture, state land-grant universities and county governments. Federal, state and county Extension staff and volunteer leaders execute the program.
4-H is
4-H is an informal, educational program for boys and girls who are 5 years of age, and have not reached 19 by January 1.
The 4-H Vision
4-H...A world leader in developing youth to become productive citizens and catalysts for positive change to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society. Through 4-H youth development education, youth will:
- practice effective problem-solving and decision-making - skills;
- practice responsible health behavior;
- be environmental stewards;
- possess positive work attitudes and skills;
- value diversity;
- have a strong sense of community and social responsibility;
- contribute to positive relationships with families, peers, and community;
- demonstrate communication and leadership skills;
- value life long learning;
- feel the personal pride that comes with mastery; and
- feel valued and utilized as a resource in their community.
The 4-H Value Set We believe in these values.
is the focus of everything we do and that 4-H allows individuals to unlock their potential through:
- active involvement in self-determination of their learning activities;
- quality experiences that stimulate skills for living and lifelong learning;
- relationships that empower people to voluntarily help themselves and each other; and
- interaction with caring adults and peers to create a positive family-like support system.
are essential in successful youth development for:
- resource development;
- program innovation;
- delivery capacities;
- creating and delivering caring environments; and
- access to research-based knowledge.
is fundamental to:
- delivering quality programs;
- developing adult educational capacity; and
- teaching youth to volunteer.
strengthens the ability of 4-H to:
- develop positive values among program participants in today's global society; and
- provide opportunities for program involvement regardless of economic, social, culture, age, disability, or gender.
The 4-H Mission
The 4-H youth development education program creates supportive environments for culturally diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential. In support of this mission we will:
- provide formal and non-formal community-focused experiential learning;
- develop skills that benefit youth throughout life,
- foster leadership and volunteerism in youth and adults;
- build internal and external partnerships for programming and funding;
- strengthen families and communities; and
- use research-based knowledge and the land grant system.
Achievement of this mission will result in capable
Objectives of the 4-H Program:
Commitment to the mission also involves strong support for these 4-H objectives:
Personal standards and values, positive self-concepts and effective impersonal and communication skills. Inquiring minds; an eagerness to learn; and the ability to apply science, technology, and economic (business) principles. Ability to make decisions, solve problems, and accept responsibilities. Leadership capabilities. Concern for and involvement in community, national and international affairs. Career and lifelong planning and learning.
Develop skills, abilities and understandings essential to working with 4-H participants and others. Enhance their leadership capabilities and personal development. Extend the land-grant university knowledge base through the Cooperative Extension System to the people.
Gain access to the knowledge resources of the land-grant university system. Pursue youth work as a career.
4-H Philosophy
The philosophy of learning-by-doing means education by experience. Through projects the experience-centered curriculum educates by producing experiences that teach life skills. These life skills describe the abilities a person may develop through participating in 4-H.
1. Understanding self
2. Communicating
3. Getting along with others
4. Learning to learn
5. Making decisions
6. Managing
7. Working with groups.
Opportunities are numerous to grow by thinking, by feeling, by doing and by relating to others. The 4-H pledge and the 4-H clover symbolizes the commitment of 4-H to wholesome, balanced human development.
4-H Emblem
The national 4-H emblem is a four-leaf clover with a letter "H" in each leaf. The H's stand for Head, Heart, Hands and Health. The clover symbolizes good luck and achievement. An act of Congress in 1948 gave the Secretary of Agriculture final authorization regarding the use of the 4-H name and emblem.
A good rule to consider in determining proper use of these symbols is: All uses of the 4-H name and emblem shall be consistent with the educational purposes, character-building objectives and dignity of 4-H.
4-H Motto
The 4-H Club motto, "To make the best better", should be the goal of every 4-H club member and leader.
4-H Pledge
"I Pledge
My Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service,
My Health to better living
for my club, my community, my country and my world."
This pledge was adopted officially by the state club leaders at a conference in Washington, D. C., in 1927. It is appropriate to begin or end 4-H meetings or events with the pledge.
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