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What is 4-H
While 4-H had its beginnings in
rural America, it now serves youth in urban and suburban as well as rural
communities. Kansas 4-H is open to youth between the ages of 7 and 19. The
new 4-H year starts in October, so many prefer to join 4-H at the start of
the school year. 4-H enrollment, however, is open year round, so youth can
join any time.
4-H is a nationwide program led by state land-grant universities in
cooperation with local county/district extension councils. In Kansas, 4-H
is the largest youth educational program, aside from public schools.
Each of the four H's on the clover represent ways youth can grow and
develop in 4-H.
The four H's represent:
Head-critical thinking, problem solving.
Heart-self-discipline, integrity, communication.
Hands-serving others.
Health-choosing healthy lifestyles.
4-H Clubs
In either type of 4-H club, youth have fun with a purpose. There are two
kinds of 4-H clubs that youth may join.
Community clubs include youth who enroll in a variety of projects; project
club members enroll in the same project. Community clubs typically have
structured business meetings, and emphasize community service,
recreational activities and improving communication skills. In a project
club, similar meetings and community activities are conducted with focus
on a specific project.
4-H and Families
In this busy world, schedules often send family members in a variety of
directions. 4-H can bring families together. 4-H families learn together.
They plan meetings, events, projects and activities together. Family
members help out as club leaders, project leaders, meeting helpers,
transportation aides and in a variety of other ways. Parental involvement
can help ensure the best learning experience for your child.
What do family members say about 4-H?
"In my opinion, 4-H is the best youth organization-it's not gender or age
specific. It's a family organization. Today, with so many forces working
against the family, 4-H helps build and reinforce the family."
"I just can't say enough about 4-H and the affect it has had on my life.
The experiences and values I gained were limitless. My children have
participated in 4-H and it has been a positive influence in their lives,
too. I have been able to be a project leader in their club, so it has been
enjoyable for me to give back to an organization from which I received so
much."
What do 4-H members say about 4-H?
"When I think of 4-H, I think of the adult leaders who have given their
time for our club. Their devoted example and involvement in our lives has
taught me what it means to care, to be committed, to be community-minded
and to be creative. 4-H affected my life because it taught me how to be
part of other people's lives--it provided wonderful opportunities to meet
and know people in my community, county and state."
4-H and the Community
As part of the 4-H experience, 4-H members are encouraged to learn about
and contribute to the betterment of their communities. 4-H also utilizes a
variety of community resources to enhance the educational experience of
members. Those resources may include meeting places, guest speakers,
volunteers and field trips.
What do people in the community say about 4-H?
"The 4-H experience provides a huge advantage to kids. The opportunities
in 4-H teach them organizational and presentation skills that stand out in
the classroom."
"I benefited from my experiences as a 4-H member. I might not be doing the
things I'm doing today if I hadn't had such positive experiences in 4-H.
Giving my time is my way of saying 'Thank you.'"
Projects
In 4-H, youth "learn by doing." Much of that learning happens through
project experiences. From beef to bicycles...electricity to
entomology...forestry to food science...photography to plant
science...rabbits to rockets...Kansas 4-H offers 29 project areas designed
to develop the wide range of interests that appeal to today's young
people. In addition to subject-matter skills, many young people develop
interests that last a lifetime.
Life Skills
Club participation, projects and friendships with other members become
memorable parts of the 4-H Program. Equally important are the skills that
last a lifetime. Successful adults often credit their experiences in 4-H
as turning points in their lives.
They credit planning, organization and public speaking skills as essential
to their success. The Kansas 4-H Program has played a leadership role in
identifying the five life skills most needed to help young people.
Skills learned in 4-H last a lifetime:
-A positive self-concept.
-An inquiring mind.
-A concern for the community.
-Healthy interpersonal relationships.
-Sound decision making.
Volunteers
The 4-H Program, like many other youth groups, relies heavily on
volunteers, who are involved in nearly every aspect of the program. More
than 16,000 volunteers work directly with 4-H youth throughout the year as
club leaders and project specialists. Another 3,500 assist with events,
club organization and 4-H promotion.
How can I Join
4-H?
4-H membership is open to all youth without
discrimination.
How can I Volunteer with 4-H?
Volunteering to help a group of
kids through 4-H can be one of the most rewarding experiences. From
being a judge at a local contest to starting and leading a 4-H Club, you
and your local Extension Agent can come up with a way to volunteer that
fits your interests! To get started, contact your Agent to learn
about opportunities in your community.
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