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Extension Services - 4-H Youth Development

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1. What is 4-H?

4-H is a non-formal educational program for youth that uses a learn-by-doing approach. Through various projects, the involvement of caring adults, and knowledge and resources provided by the land-grant university system, communities of young people learn effective leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

2. What do the four H's stand for?

• Head - Mental development
• Heart - Emotional development; developing interest, appreciation, and wholesome attitudes
• Hands - Skills development; ability to do, skill in doing, and habit of doing
• Health - Physical development; understanding and appreciating a growing and changing body

3. What is the 4-H pledge?

At 4-H club meetings and other 4-H events, 4-H members recite the Pledge of Allegiance and this 4-H Pledge:
"I 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."

4. What is the 4-H motto?

To make the best better.

5. What is the 4-H slogan?

Learn by doing.

6. What is a 4-H club?

Clubs are the foundation of 4-H! They are made up of at least five members from two different families guided by one or more adults. Clubs meet in the homes of members, in churches, or in community facilities once or twice a month under the guidance of a caring adult. Members plan their own programs, conduct meetings, elect their own officers, and take part in community service activities. As a Flagler County 4-H member, you're eligible to participate in other county, state, national, and international 4-H programs.

7. What age do I have to be to join 4-H?

Youth ages 5-18 (as of September 1 of the current year), or in grades K-12, can be 4-H club members and can enroll in many different 4-H projects.

Youth ages 5-7, or in grades K-2, can be Cloverbud members. Usually Cloverbuds are in separate, non-competitive clubs, where they sample a variety of 4-H projects.

Older 4-H members, ages 8-18, may exhibit their completed work to be judged for awards and also have opportunities to develop leadership skills through serving on a county-wide 4-H teen council and participating in state-wide leadership events.

8. What kinds of projects can I do in a 4-H club?

4-H members can participate in a wide variety of fun projects. 4-H members build life skills such as decision-making, communication, citizenship, and leadership. They also meet new friends and, most importantly, have lots of fun!

Members can choose their own projects which generally fall into one of the following eight areas:

• Agriculture Literacy
• Animal Sciences (you can also check out Youth Programs in the Department of Animal Sciences)
• Career Development and Workforce Preparation
• Citizenship and Leadership Education
• Communication and Expressive Arts and Sciences
• Environmental Education and Earth Sciences
• Individual and Family Resources
• Plant Science
• Science and Technology

9. Is there a fee to join 4-H?

In Flagler County we charge a $1 fee which pays for one year of insurance for the 4-H member.

10. What must I do to get enrolled in 4-H?

Simply fill out an enrollment form, have your parent or guardian sign it, and return it to our office along with $1. There are several ways you can participate as a 4-H member:

• Join an existing club or start your own
• Join as a member at large (not in a club)
• Participate through school enrichment programs (classroom)

By completing your enrollment form you will receive our county newsletter, which is published monthly.

11. Why should I volunteer with 4-H?

More and more youth need the values, skills, and guidance that 4-H provides. 4-H offers practical life skill education in a variety of disciplines - science, technology, healthy lifestyles, and citizenship. As a 4-H volunteer, you will have the flexibility to reach youth ages 5-18 through activities such as 4-H clubs, camps, after-school programs, and events. You will receive support from the Flagler County Extension, a branch of your state's land-grant university, the University of Florida.

12. How do I contact the Flagler County 4-H Office?

For information regarding the Flagler County 4-H Program, contact the Flagler County 4-H Coordinator, Gary Thomas, at (386) 437-7464 or by fax at (386) 586-2102.

Office hours for the Flagler County 4-H office are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are located at 150 Sawgrass Road in Bunnell.