What is 4-H? - August 20, 2009
Submitted by Claudann M Jones

4-H is a national organization which helps young people develop life-long knowledge and skills to become engaged citizens. Through 4-H, youth are also taught how to meet the diversities and challenges of today’s society by bringing together youth and adults to design programs that will teach skills for living. 4-H is truly a model of the “learning by doing” teaching concept. It reaches people in their own communities with delivery methods suitable to their needs. 4-H also helps to provide opportunities for families and communities to develop stronger bonds. The 4-H program is a voluntary, non-formal, educational program offered to all youth regardless of race, color, national origin, residence, or handicap. The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program is conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension Service, which is a part of the Texas A&M University System. County and district 4-H programs are directed by Extension staff who also provide training and support to volunteers who work with 4-H members. The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program serves youth in all 254 counties in Texas.

Young people in 4-H learn about citizenship, leadership, foods and nutrition, healthy lifestyles, veterinary science, mechanics and technology, horticulture, agriculture, and other subjects. To teach young people about these subjects, the 4-H program uses the learn-by-doing method of instruction. The 4-H project that each member selects according to their interest and ability is the program’s cornerstone. Projects involve setting goals and evaluating progress. The skills and knowledge learned in 4-H project work help members become more engaged individuals and citizens. Because of the educational concepts and methods developed by the early leaders of 4-H, the 4-H program has thrived for more than 101 years in Texas.

4-H continues to grow in Texas, expanding to serve those in the military, with emergency disasters, and where the support of youth are needed. How do you join 4-H? Call your county office of Texas AgriLife Extension at 598-7744 or 3223. You can also email Julie Flanagan at jlflanagan@ag.tamu.edu. (office manager), Lane Dunn, Ag. Extension Agent at jldunn@ag.tamu.edu or Family and Consumer Science Agent Claudann M. Jones at cmjones@ag.tamu.edu

How much does it cost?

4-H costs little or nothing to join. Some projects might cost something to get started—like, if you want to do photography, you’ll need a camera and money to get pictures developed.

Does it matter where you live?

4-H has things everybody can do, in the city or the country or anywhere in between. You can find 4-H in every county in Texas! How old do you have to be? 4-H is for kids of almost any age. If you’re in kindergarten, first grade, or second grade, you can be in Clover Kids. From third grade to age 19, you can be in 4-H. What about your parents or guardians? Your parents don’t have to become 4-H leaders when you join 4-H, but there are lots of ways they can help. They can lead special projects, drive 4-H’ers to activities, make refreshments for meetings, and much more! In fact, your whole family can be part of a lot of 4-H activities! Who are 4-H volunteers? 4-H Volunteers are people who care about the kids and who supervise activities. They are carefully screened and trained to make sure that 4-H’ers are safe.

Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion.