When you think of 4-H, do you image a farm and exhibiting animals at a county fair?
Well, think again. 4-H is about learning lifelong skills, creating new friendships, discovering new opportunities, exploring projects, and so much more. 4-H offers a wide variety of project interests such as consumer & family sciences, communications & expressive arts, animals & plants, healthy living, environmental sciences, science & technology, career and college readiness, agricultural literacy, citizenship and leadership. In fact, there are over 150 projects from which to choose.
Some learning activities 4-H’ers might participate in include speech contests, quality assurance training for raising meat animals, livestock judging and home environment workshops. There are also a variety of camps 4-H’ers may attend during the summer that also provide learning experiences as well as fun.
What is 4-H? 4-H is an educational program that helps young people develop new skills, explore possible career choices and serve their communities. It is one of the largest and most respected youth organizations in the world! 4-H is a community of young people, ages 5-19, who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.
4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with community members. 4-H is education for life that uses a learn-by-doing approach. Youth between the ages of 8 and 18 by January 1 of the current year may join 4-H. The Clover Kid program is for children age 5-7 as of January 1 and features educational projects and activities that are non-competitive. Youth may join a club in their area or may be an independent member.
Why join 4-H? 4-H helps its members develop citizenship and leadership skills. The projects and activities teach members responsibility and important life-long skills. 4-H’ers establish new friendships with their fellow members and become more actively involved in their communities. 4-H offers many rewarding experiences and provides valuable benefits that shape a member's character and knowledge, which lasts a lifetime.
There are actually many entertainers who were in 4-H when they were growing up. They include David Letterman, Reba McIntire, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Jennifer Nettles, and Luke Bryan- and that's just to name a few!
Great 4-H benefits:
4-H is for the whole family – 4-H is more than an activity for youth. 4-H can be a shared experience for the whole family. Parents, siblings, and relatives can have fun, discover, care, and grow along with their 4-H youth through 4-H projects and activities. By making 4-H a family affair, thousands of families enjoy the quality time it gives them. Adult volunteers can lead clubs, lend their expertise to particular project areas, and serve on teams with other volunteers.
Lifetime Benefit-Strong Roots, Promising Future- 4-H prepares youth for higher education and potential careers by emphasizing life skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, serving others, as well as managing change.
Resume Builder! - Colleges and Employers are looking for people who contribute to the community and are actively involved. Being in 4-H, you can gain leadership, public speaking, communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. (Students: All of these points look GREAT on a resume!)
Connection to University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Through participating in 4-H, it allows youth to experience their “first class” at UNL that offers them unique advantages like experiencing campus, scholarships, resources, networks, talking to college faculty and professors, building connections, and more. The local Extension Office is a connection between you and UNL.
Find your career path! 4-H offers over 150 different projects to explore your interests and hobbies. Doing this or trying something new may even lead you to a career. By participating in 4-H projects and activities, you can also build the skills necessary for pursuing the career you chose.
Both youth and adults should consider joining and supporting 4-H, if they don't already. Through the process of 4-H, youth gain leadership skills without even realizing it and 4-Hers are continuously learning and growing. It is also a fun way to learn and develop a sense of responsibility, and one of the best parts is that youth will have a blast participating in 4-H activities and developing new friendships with fellow 4-H’ers. 4-H is a great program and it will be a fun, positive experience for your whole family!
For more information about the 4-H and Youth Development, please contact the University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Office in your local county or visit the website at http://4h.unl.edu/.
