THE 4H
YOUTH PROGRAM
Who
May Belong to 4H?
4H is an
educational organization for boys and girls
who must be eight years of age and have not
passed their 19th birthday by January 1 of
the current year. It is open to all youth
regardless of race, color, sex, handicap,
religion, age, or national origin.
Who's in Charge of 4H?
4H is
sponsored throughout Maryland by the
University of Maryland Cooperative
Extension. Nationally, it is a part of the
Extension Service in the United States
Department of Agriculture. The people
responsible locally are 4H Extension
Educators
in
the St. Mary's County Office of Maryland
Cooperative Extension, supported, in part,
by the St. Mary's County Government.
Why
Do Kids Like 4H?
They have
fun with their friends--meetings, social
activities, tours, camps, and fairs. They
learn to do interesting things--take care of
raising animals and plants, redecorate their
rooms, fix a bike, take pictures. or learn
to cook.
What Do the H's Stand For?
HEAD,
HEART, HANDS, AND HEALTH--4H
members 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"
What
is a 4H Emblem?
The office 4H
emblem is a green, four-leaf clover with a
white "H" on each clover leaf. It is
copyrighted and may be used only as approved
by 4H.
4H
CLUBS AND 4H MEETINGS
4H How
Often and When Do 4H Clubs
Meet?
Some clubs
meet every week, for a month or two, and
some meet once or twice a month all year
long. Many clubs meet for an hour or two
after school, in the evening, or on a
Saturday. It all depends on the club and
what they want to do. 4H Clubs may organize
any time of the year. Sometimes members have
to be enrolled in a project by a certain
time to be eligible for specific activities.
Where
Do 4H Clubs Meet?
Any place
large enough which is convenient for the
members of the group. Some clubs take turns
meeting in member's homes. Some meet in a
central place such as a school, church, or
community room. Some meet at the leader's
home. How Big Should a Club Be?
This depends on the age of the members, the
places they have to meet, and the leadership
available. The ideal club is big enough to
have fun together but small enough for
everybody to feel a part of the group. The
average 4H club is likely to have 10 to 20
members.
Who
Names the 4H Club?
The members of
the club, with their leader's guidance, name
the club.
What
Do 4H Club Members Do at Meetings?
4H Club
meetings usually have four parts
-
Project Work
-
Business
-
Recreation or Social Activities
-
Special Interest Programs
Do
They Do all These Things At One Meeting?
Sometimes, if
they have little business to conduct, they
may work on their projects and play a game
or two. Sometimes the whole meeting will be
devoted to one thing. (Example: Everyone
will bring their dog and practice obedience,
or the entire meeting may be needed to plan
a club activity).
Who
Plans the Program for the Club?
The members of
the club plan the program, especially if the
club is small. If the club is large, ideas
are given by everyone and a committee is put
together to decide on a club program from
the ideas.
What
About Officers?
4H Clubs may
have officers and whatever committees they
need to run their own business. 4H has
materials available for Presidents,
Vice-Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers,
News Reporters, and Recreation Leaders. The
club may have more or less officers
depending on their needs.
Do 4H
Clubs Have Dues?
This
depends on their need for money. There are
no State or National 4H dues. If the club
wants money for some activity, they usually
charge dues or conduct fundraising
activities. These monies are for club use
only. Dues should never be used to keep
someone from joining 4H.
4H
PROJECTS
What
are 4H Projects?
4H
Projects are learning experiences for 4H
members. Most projects are available from
the University of Maryland Cooperative
Extension 4H Office. There may be a charge
to the 4H member for some areas.
What
Does a 4H Project Cost?
The cost
varies but the projects can be used over a
three-year period. A member enrolled in some
projects could use items from around the
house. A member who buys a camera will need
to invest in film for one's project. Discuss
the cost with members and then select a
project. It should be realistic to the
family situation. Sometimes clubs find
sponsors to help with project costs.
Are 4H
Members Expected to Do Their Own Project
Work?
Yes--with
Help. 4H is a "learn by doing" program.
Adult leaders, junior leaders, or parents
may tell or show a member how, but members
are expected to learn how to do things
themselves.
What
is Project "Completion?"
Completion means that the 4H member has met
the project requirements and goals he/she
set when he/she enrolled in a project. Most
counties provide some sort of recognition
such as pins, ribbons, or monetary awards.
Do
4H'ers Do Projects Individually or as a
Group?
Both--some projects such as fishing are more
fun if done in a group. Others, such as
making a dress, will be done individually by
each member of the group.
