About 4-H

          4-H is the non-formal educational youth development program of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and the Florida Extension Service.  4-H is the nation's LARGEST youth development program and the only one that is university based.  

          The purpose of 4-H is to help youth become productive members of society.  By acquiring life skills, youth learn about practical problems they will face in life and teaches the skills needed to solve them.  4-H membership is open to boys and girls ages 5-18 without regard to sex, disability, race, nationality, or ethnicity.

          4-H is part of the Cooperative Extension Service based on the land grant University system.  4-H is tax supported.  The combined efforts of county, state, and federal governments support 4-H to provide educational, research-based programs for everyday living and the development of life skills.  Local businesses and civic organizations also help fund the 4-H program in their area.  Programs and activities are conducted through a partnership of local community volunteers and professional staff.  There is no fee to become a member of 4-H.

4-H members participate in the program through one or more of the following delivery methods:

• Organized 4-H Clubs

• School Enrichment Programs

• Special Interest Programs (workshops, day camps, etc)

• 4-H Camps

• Individual Study (member at-large)

        Project Experiences- working individually or in groups youth select topics of interest in which they study and learn.  A 4-H project is a series of learning experiences within an area of interest (such as leadership, marine science, horses, etc).  A wide range of projects exist for Florida 4-H youth, and varies as the interests of the youth and the resources of the adult leadership.

• At the club level- youth select or enroll in a desired project receiving supporting curriculum materials (such as project or record books) to complete.

• At county, district, state, or national levels- special interest workshops, clinics, camps, and other educational events are conducted to meet youth interests by enhancing and expanding project learning experiences.

      Group Experiences- 4-Hers participate in groups through club meetings, classrooms, project meetings, or organized events, which provide an environment to learn leadership and group social skills.

• At the club level- club meetings provide an opportunity to practice leadership and group skills.

• At the county, district, state, and national levels- Youth leadership councils offer an extended way for youth to learn and practice leadership in a democratic system.

4-H Events and Activities- specialized 4-H events are designed and conducted to support the 4-Her at the local, county, district, state, and national levels.  These may be competitive or non-competitive in nature.

• At the club level- local clubs often plan and conduct their own events (family picnics, field trips, fund-raising, or community service activities).

• At the county, district, state, and national levels- county or state faculty plan and conduct many specialized events to enhance and support local 4-Hers.  Such events may include day camps, residential camps, workshops, clinics, and competitive events.

4-H Awards and Recognition Program- 4-H is not complete without supporting the growth and development of youth through recognizing and awarding their achievements and accomplishments.

• At the club level- local clubs often plan and conduct their own recognition meeting.

• At the county, district, state, and national level- many opportunities exist for recognition.  Jackson County has an annual Awards and Recognition Night each fall that is youth led.  

          4-H offers flexible programming to meet youth needs by emphasizing skill building processes and effective outcomes through activities that promote positive values, social responsibility, and lifelong learning.  Young people involved in 4-H have the opportunity to:

• Develop as an individual

• Learn life skills related to projects

• Make new friends

• Work with adult volunteers

• Develop pride as they learn by doing

• Develop leadership skills, including the ability to speak before a group

• Explore projects that may lead to future careers