To find out more about joining 4-H, call 1-888-77YOUTH or visit http://www.areyouintoit.com/
The following comes from an Extension pamphlet entitled, "What About 4-H? Answers to questions frequently asked by parents about 4-H and 4-H clubs."
What is 4-H?
4-H is a voluntary, informal education program for boys
and girls who are ages 8-18 by January 1 of the current year. 4-H
is open to everyone regardless of race, religion, color, gender,
marital status, familial status, national origin, disability, or
political belief. Additionally, 4-H Cloverbuds is program for
youth ages 5-7 by January 1 of the current year.
Isn't 4-H just for farm kids?
No! 4-H is for all youth, regardless of where
they live. 4-H serves youth from all backgrounds and interests.
Today in Illinois, most 4-H members are from towns and cities and
they participate in projects addressing life skills and other
important issues.
What do the H's stand for?
Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H members pledge:
"My head to clearing 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 emblem and other
symbols?
A green four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each
clover leaf is the 4-H emblem. Green and white are the colors.
The 4-H motto is "To Make the Best Better." The 4-H
slogan is "Learn By Doing."
Who conducts 4-H?
The Illinois 4-H program is conducted by the Illinois Cooperative
Extension Service (ICES), which is a part of the College of
Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Chamaign. County and state
programs are directed by Extension staff who train and support
volunteers who work with 4-H members.
Who funds 4-H?
ICES receives funding from the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA), the state of Illinois, and local county
boards. Unit offices are located in nearly every county in
Illinois. An Extension Council comprised of local residents
serves in an advisory capacity to the Extension staff to
coordinate, organize, and plan programming in the unit.
What does it cost to join?
4-H has no membership registration fee. Uniforms are not
required. There may be minimal costs for project manuals or some
4-H activities or events.
Why do young people join 4-H?
4-H gives kids a chance to learn new things, develop new skills,
travel to new places, experience new situations, make new
friends, and most importantly have lost of fun.
How do you join?
Call the Extension Unit Office in your county or contact a local
4-H club leader to see if there is room in a club near you. If
not, five interested young people with an adult or two to help
them may start a new club.
What is a club?
A club is a group of five or more young people ages 8 to 18
guided by an adult leader. Clubs meet for at least six sessions
during the year and have a planned program. Members elect
officers and each member takes one or more projects. Each club
has a constitution. A club may explore a single subject or
several subjects. 4-H members build leadership by electing
officers and conducting their own business; work together on
community service activities; meet new friends; and most
important, have lots of fun.
How often do clubs meet?
Most clubs meet once or twice a month all year long. This depends
on the group and what they want to do. The 4-H year runs from
September 1 to August 31. However, sometimes members may have to
be enrolled in a project by a certain time to be eligible for a
certain activity such as the 4-H fair.
Where do 4-H clubs meet?
A 4-H club may be organized on a community or neighborhood basis
and use local facilities or members' homes. Also, it can be
organized within a school using the school's facilities, time,
and staff. Any place large enough that is convenient for the
members of the group is a good choice.
When do clubs meet and how long do meetings
last?
This depends on the club. Many community clubs meet for an hour
or two after school, in the evening, or on Saturday. The most
important thing is to have a regular time to get together, one
that members and their families can remember. School clubs may
meet for an hour or two during the school day.
How big should a club be?
This depends on the age of the members, the places they have to
meet, and the leadership available. The ideal club is big enough
to have fun together, but small enough for everyone to feel a
part of the group. The average Illinois 4-H club is 10 to 20
members.
Should 4-H clubs have dues?
This depends on their need for money. If a club wants money for
some activities, it usually charges dues or conducts money-making
activities.
What are 4-H projects?
4-H projects are challenging but practical planned courses
of study with learning experiences centered around a specific
subject. 4-H members will usually work on a project (subject
area) for a year. Hands-on, learn-by-doing involvement is the
most important aspect of a project. Making, growing, caring for,
observing, and participating--all of these active learning
processes are involved in 4-H projects. Over 175 projects are
currently available in the Illinois 4-H program. The Illinois
Clover lists projects available to members.
more info still to come!
Questions? Email us at luckybirds4H@hotmail.com