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About 4-H
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.
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