Frequently Asked Questions about 4-H

What is 4-H?

4-H is a volunteer-led organization that reaches boys and girls through small groups called clubs and sometimes in classrooms. 4-H members decide for themselves which of more than 40 projects they want to learn more about. Most projects use hands on learning experiences to teach subject matter and life skills such as cooperation, citizenship, leadership, and decision making - skills that can be applied over and over for a lifetime. The 4-H Program uses a combination of club work, projects, and activities to help accomplish these goals. Besides all this - 4-H is fun!

How is 4-H organized?

4-H is the official youth development program of the Cooperative Extension Service and the United States Department of Agriculture. It employs research developed by the Land Grant University system to help youth develop into self-directing productive citizens. In Indiana, Purdue is the Land Grant University that administers the 4-H Program. Each county has a local Cooperative Extension Service Office which provides local leadership to the 4-H Program. The most basic unit of 4-H is the 4-H Club.

Who can join 4-H?

In Delaware County, 4-H is open to any youth currently in grades 3 -12. Mini 4-H is available for 1st and 2nd grade students. It is open to everyone, regardless of race, religion, color, disability, gender, or place of residence.

What is the 4-H Emblem and Colors?

The 4-H Club emblem is a four-leaf clover with the letter "H" on each leaf. The "H's" stand for Head, Heart, Hands and Health. The leaves of the clover are green and the "H's" are white. The white is for purity. Green is nature's most common color.

What do the H's stand for?

Head, Heart, Hands and Health. This is the 4-H pledge:

"I pledge
My head to clearer thinking
My heart to greater loyalty
My hands to larger service
My health to better living
For my club, my community, my country, and my world."

What is the 4-H Club Member's Creed?

I believe in 4-H Club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a useful citizen.
I believe in the training of my Head for the power it will give me to think, plan, and reason.
I believe in the training of my Heart for the nobleness it will give me to become kind, sympathetic, and true.
I believe in the training of my Hands for the ability it will give me to be helpful, useful and skillful.
I believe in the training of my Health for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work efficiently.
I believe in my country, my state, my community, and in my responsibility for their development.
In all these things, I believe, and I am willing to dedicate my efforts to their fulfillment.

What is the 4-H Motto?

To Make the Best Better

Why do young people like 4-H?

They have FUN with friends at meetings, social activities, tours, trips, camps, and fairs. They learn to do interesting things such as take care of animals and plants, redecorate their rooms, fix their bikes, take pictures, practice cooking, and collect rocks. And, they help others to learn more about their 4-H project, provide leadership to younger kids, and learn about themselves.

How do you join?

Call your County Extension Office or a local 4-H leader (if you know one). In Delaware County call 747-7732.

What do I do in 4-H?

There are literally hundreds of things to do in 4-H. Of course there are over sixty projects to choose from. There are also many trips, workshops, camps and both club and county activities you can participate in.

How much does it cost?

There is no charge to join 4-H. Some clubs may charge dues but these are generally very small - no more than $5.00 at the most. You will be responsible for the costs of making your own project. This can vary greatly. For example, if you enroll in Beef Cattle, then the cost of buying a steer, raising it and showing it may cost several hundred dollars. For some projects such as dog, cat, or bicycle, you may already have everything you need for your project at home - all you need to do is join!

What is a project?

A 4-H project is a series of learning experiences for 4-H members. More that 45 projects are available. You get to choose whatever project you want to take. There are all sorts of projects to choose from. They include things such as foods, clothing, models, aerospace, wood science and livestock projects. For each project you will be given a manual which will explain what you will do. At the end of the summer you have a chance to make an exhibit and display it at the fair. 4-H projects are divided into Divisions. This is so 11th and 12th graders aren't doing the same things as third and fourth graders. When you sign up for a project, you will begin with the early divisions and learn about the basics of the project. In the following years, as you learn more, you will take more advanced Divisions.

How do I decide what project to take?

What kinds of things do you like to do? Before you sign up for a project, you should talk it over with your parents and make sure it's OK with them. Your club leader can tell you more about a particular project, or you might want to talk to other club members.

What is a 4-H project manual?

A project manual contains help and direction needed to complete the project. Some projects have a manual for each division. Others have one manual which the member uses throughout his or her 4-H career. A manual may range from five pages to 50 pages and may cost from $1.00 to $5.00.

Are 4-H members expected to do their own project work?

Yes--with help. 4-H is a "learn by doing" program. Leaders, junior leaders, and parents may tell or show a member how, but members are expected to learn how to do things themselves. One of the principles of 4-H is that allowing a youth learn to do builds self worth.

What is an exhibit?

An exhibit is an object or display designed to help a young person show what she or he has accomplished. Ideally it motivates a youth to learn and to have fun in a 4-H project. An exhibit is not an end in itself, nor does it measure all the learning that takes place from completing a project.

Are projects done individually or as a group?

Both. Some projects like geology or biking are more fun when done as a group. Others like making a dress or baking cookies will be done individually by each member of the group.

What is a 4-H Club?

A 4-H Club is the most basic unit of 4-H. You don't have to join a club to be in 4-H, but we do recommend it. Clubs elect officers, conduct meetings and business, and plan activities for the members. Through your club you will meet new people, make new friends, learn about projects, participate in club trips and activities, and more. What a particular club does is actually determined by the members. To see the various clubs in Delaware County, click here. You can call the Delaware County Extension Office to get more information about joining a club.

What kinds of things will I do in my club?

That depends on your club. Most clubs meet about once a month, sometimes more, from February through the county fair. Some clubs meet year 'round. In your club you will learn how to do different projects, how to run a meeting, and how to do demonstrations about your project. At each meeting there is also time for recreation, where you can play and have fun with your fellow club members. Many clubs have a community service project and fundraisers.

What is a Leader?

A Leader is an adult who has volunteered his or her time to work with kids by serving as advisors of 4-H clubs. They do things like arrange for places to meet, work with your club officers on meetings and activities and help kids out with their projects. Leaders will also work with you on demonstrations, Share-The-Fun Acts and other activities you might like to participate in. Many Leaders also work very hard helping to put on the fair.

What other kinds of things can I do in 4-H?

There are all sorts of activities available through 4-H. You may participate in trips, workshops, 4- H Camp, tours, and all sorts of county activities, including the fair.

What about the fair?

The fair is a fun time for 4-H members. During the fair you have a chance to be rewarded for all your hard work through the year. Your project will be judged and displayed for hundreds of people to see. And of course the fair has many fun and exciting activities for you to participate in. Most 4-Hers really look forward to the fair.

As a 4-H parent, how can I help my child?

Counsel with your son or daughter in the selection of 4-H projects that are interesting and can be conveniently financed. Show your interest and enthusiasm after the projects have been selected. Read over the project manual with your child and help him or her understand what to do, when to do it, and how to carry out different phases of the project. Assist your son or daughter with project work, but don't do the job for him or her. Your job is to teach, not to govern; to guide, not to control. Learn to give increased freedom as your child develops.