More Than You Ever

What is 4-H?
	4-H is a volunteer-based, informal educational program of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.  It focuses on "learning by doing" and reaches boys and girls through small groups called clubs.  It is the largest youth organization in the Nation including nearly 2,000 members in Hamilton County.
Isn't 4-H just for farm kids?
	Absolutely NOT!  4-H is for all young people, regardless of where they live, what interests them, or their background.  Over half of the 4-H members in Hamilton County live in urban areas.  There is something for everyone in 4-H.
Who can join 4-H?
	4-H is for boys and girls who are in 3rd through 12th grades as of our March 1st enrollment deadline.  However, you may enroll in 4-H anytime between October 1st and March 1st.
Is There A Mini 4-H?
	Mini 4-H is for boys and girls who are in 1st & 2nd grades as of our March 1st enrollment deadline.  However, you may enroll in  Mini 4-H anytime between October 1st and March 1st.
How do I join 4-H?
	First you need to obtain a Hamilton County 4-H Enrollment Form.  You can obtain our 3-part forms by stopping by the Extension Office in Hamilton County located at 2003 Pleasant Street in Noblesville or by calling us at 317-776-0854.  You can also download a form by clicking here.  Once you've filled out the form, simply turn it in to the Extension Office, and you are enrolled!  (Please note:  Forms must be original - no faxed or emailed forms accepted. Forms can be mailed via U.S. Mail.)  The enrollment deadline is March 1st of the current year.  You must re-enroll every year.
Why do young people like 4-H?
	According to past 4-H'ers, they like 4-H most of all for the FRIENDS they meet, the FUN they have, and the SKILLS they learn.  They have fun with friends at meetings, social activities, community service activities, tours, trips, camps, and fairs.  They learn to do interesting things such as take pictures, practice cooking, decorate cakes, build model rockets, take care of plants and animals, wrap gifts, create a scrapbook, shoot a bow and arrow, or drive a lawn tractor through an obstacle course.  And they develop leadership skills by helping others learn about their projects.
How much does it cost to be in 4-H?
	There is a $10 materials fee to join 4-H (maximum $30.00 per family). There may be a minimal fee for club dues which support local club activities.  Additional costs depend upon the projects taken.  The 4-H member is responsible for the materials for the projects they enroll in, so that cost is controlled by the 4-H member.
How much time does 4-H take?
	The amount of time you spend in 4-H will vary depending upon your involvement.  Most 4-H clubs meet once a month.  The type of project you choose determines how much time it will take to complete.
What do the H's stand for?
	HEAD -- Learning to think, making decisions, understanding the "why's", and gaining new and valuable knowledge. HEART -- Being concerned with the welfare of others, accepting the responsibilities of citizenship, determining values and attitudes by which to live, and learning how to work with others. HANDS -- Learning new skills, perfecting skills already known, and developing pride in work and respect for it. HEALTH -- Practicing healthful living, protecting the well-being of self and others, and making constructive use of leisure time. These together are a four-fold development.  Each leaf, each H is vital to every individual.  You need to make sure all four H's become equally important to you.
What 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 are the 4-H Symbols?
	4-H Emblem:  A green four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each clover leaf.  The four H's stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health and seen above. 4-H Colors:  It is most appropriate that green and white are the colors of 4-H.  The green in the 4-H clover represents life, springtime, and youth.  The white represents purity. 4-H Slogan:  The slogan "Learn by Doing" is a constant incentive to motivate 4-H'ers to strive toward acquiring new skills and knowledge.  The results can mean a very productive and interesting life. 4-H Motto:  "To Make the Best Better" is the goal of each member.  The motto gives a special motivation not to be content with the present but always strive to make things better.