4-H Youth Development
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.
What is 4-H?
4-H is about growing and learning, but it's also about having fun.
Who: Youth ages 7-18 years of age from across the county & adults of all ages working together.
What: Join a club that meets monthly to teach parliamentary procedure, work on projects and carry out community service projects.
How: 4-H uses research based project information to empower youth to do things they've never done before in a creative and confident way. 4-H has a membership fee and most counties have sponsors to offset those costs. Some projects have costs associated with them. Best of all, you can choose your level of participation - as much or as little as you have time for.
When: 4-H organizes for the new year each October 1. Youth may join throughout the year but must join by May 1 if they intend to participate in the county fair. (Some livestock projects have earlier enrollment deadlines. Visit with the local Extension Office for specific dates.)
4-H teaches youth to analyze information, make decisions, communicate effectively, prepare for careers, serve their communities and plan for healthy lifestyles - all while they are having fun. So go ahead, get involved in 4-H and have some fun!
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-H Motto
"To Make the Best Better"
4-H Emblem
The official clover is Kelly Green with white H's and the stem facing to the right The 4-H colors are the same green and white. The white symbolizes purity. The green represents natures most common color and is emblematic of youth, life and growth.
"Learn by Doing"
A phrase that sums up the educational philosophy of the 4-H program. Derived from educational theory and philosophy of the times, the term exemplifies the experiential nature of the learning experiences in 4-H. Young people learn best when they are involved in their learning. The intent is to do, reflect, and apply.
Kansas 4-H Mission
With unique strategies and opportunities, Kansas 4-H Youth Development engages youth in reaching their full potential through partnerships with caring adults.
Kansas 4-H Vision
A world where youth and adults advance positive life skills by learning, growing and working together.
Kansas 4-H Life Skills
Life skills are the skills young people need to grow into competent and caring adults. These life skills are developed through work in a wide variety of project areas. In Kansas 4-H, we emphasize the development of these life skills:
*A positive self-concept...Youth develop a positive self concept by seeking their fullest potential as a person.
*An inquiring mind...Youth develop an inquiring mind when he/she knows how to obtain information when it is needed and expects to live in a changing world.
*A concern for the community...Youth develop a concern for the community by becoming aware of his/her social responsibility, and is willing to be involved in improving the community, both local and global.
*Healthy interpersonal relationships...Youth learn healthy interpersonal relationships when they get along with others, work and interact with people of all ages.
*Sound decision making...Youth learn to make sound decisions when he/she makes choices and can apply what is known in a productive way.
How to Enroll
Stop by at the Lane, Ness or Rush County offices and pick up an Enrollment form and a Kansas Participation form, along with a New 4-H Members Handbook. Or download all of them off the website and bring into the extension office.
