What is 4-H? 4-H is a non-formal educational youth program, conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension as authorized by federal and state statutes. In each county, the Local Extension Staff (County Director and 4-H Youth Advisor) has the authority to administer the program in accordance with University and Extension policy. 4-H was formed in the early part of the twentieth century to extend knowledge and information from the state land-grant universities to local communities. An organization rooted in the rich tradition of American agriculture, 4-H today serves youth from urban centers and suburbs as well as rural areas.
The purpose of 4-H is to help young people discover and develop their potential. 4-H encourages young people to set their own goals and make their own plans and decisions. This helps boys and girls mature and build their self-confidence. By being part of a group, 4-H'ers learn to understand other people and to cooperate with them. These are two basic skills for a happy, useful life.
How much time does 4-H require? Currently there are 19 Community Clubs located throughout Sacramento County. Community Clubs have one general meeting each month. The projects within the Club, also meet at least once per month. Club meetings are generally held at a local school or community center on a regularily scheduled basis. Project meetings are scheduled at the convenience of the members and leaders (usually 1 hour long). The 4-H Club year usually starts with the new school year, in September, and ends after the County Fair, in May. Most projects are coming to completion in the spring. Exhibit days held in the spring, give members an opportunity to practice before County Fair.
What age groups participate in 4-H? A member can be in 4-H from the time they are enrolled in Kindergarten (or turn 5 by December 31) until December of the year in which they turn 19. Some of the animal projects are limited to children who are in the fourth grade or older due to safety and insurance considerations. There are special events for the Kindergarten through third grade members and some project leaders require parent participation to help with their needs--most parents are happy to be part of the fun.
What happens at 4-H Meetings? The 4-H Members in a club elect their officers and plan, implement, and evaluate an annual plan of work. An adult volunteer leader coaches the club's officers and members in these activities and guides them as they acquire leadership skills. Any parent or adult may join the discussion during a 4-H meeting, but only the 4-H Members vote on matters that are brought before the club. The meetings also enable members and parents to get together to share experiences and interests. One of the good things 4-H offers is an opportunity to enjoy learning with family and friends.
Can parents participate in the program? You are vital in helping your child get the most out of 4-H. Please take an interest in 4-H projects and events and encourage your child to participate. If your child is taking part in an event, come and watch, and visit with others. Interest and participation make 4-H strong.
What are the projects? 4-H isn't just for members with animals. The official list of projects includes things like: Automotive, Bicycles, Small Engines, Woodworking, Food, Clothing, Food Preservation, Camping and Outdoor Adventure, Leathercraft, Photography, Vegetable Gardens, Computers, Graphic Arts, Wildlife, Creative Arts and Crafts, Workforce Preparation, Leadership, Marine Science, and Citizenship. Learn by doing in an atmosphere where learning is fun is a basic philosophy of 4-H. The project is where the learning by doing takes place. Within the project, members find things to learn, things to do, things to make, and things to explore. Project work is then sumarized by a form of record keeping. Projects are only limited by what the members are interested in and the availability of adult volunteers.
Do members have to sell their animals at the end of the project? Some animal projects are sale-oriented, but many are more pet-oriented -- pygmy goats, poultry, guinea pigs, bunnies, and dog training to name a few. These animals are not sold and can, in fact, be used in projects from year to year.
Is 4-H Expensive? There are many projects that do not require a big investment. Obviously, it would be expensive to buy a horse and all the equipment required for it. A guinea pig or a chicken, however, can be purchased for as little as $10.00, and they do not require a lot of maintenance. If family pets are used, no purchase is necessary. 4-H Members have an opportunity to buy excellent quality animals at reasonable prices. It is the hard work and skill of the child, not the price tag of the project, that makes a winner. For cooking, sewing, or craft projects, cost would be limited to materials needed. There is no fee to join 4-H, simply a $8.00 insurance fee. Entry fees for showing are minimal. There are no monthly or weekly dues.
Do 4-H members have to wear a uniform? There is no 4-H uniform requirement. A uniform is not required for participation in any 4-H sponsored activity, event, meeting, or occasion. For activities or events not under the specific administration of 4-H, sponsoring organizations, such as County Fair, will require the wearing of designated attire to identify the participants organization. In such cases, the uniform would consist of a white shirt, 4-H Hat, and Tie or Scarf. The Hat and Tie or Scarf would cost about $20.00. Most clubs have clothes closets for out-grown uniforms.
How do youth benefit from 4-H? 4-H is more than project work. It's an opportunity to develop valuable life skills, enjoy many new experiences, meet new people, and have lots of fun. ¨ Members can learn leadership and public speaking skills. ¨ Members have an opportunity to learn goal setting and achievement and record keeping. ¨ Members who have trouble with schoolwork can gain self-esteem. The skills required to nurture or ¨ train an animal, create an artistic or utilitarian object, cook or sew, are not the same as academic skills. ¨ Members can use their experiences in Leadership, Community Service, and Citizenship to assist with college admissions and in applications for scholarships. ¨ Members can go to 4-H Camp. The cost is very reasonable and the experience is valuable; spending a week of fun with other members from Sacramento County. ¨ Members can show their projects at the County and State Fairs ¨ Members will learn the right way to raise and care for animals whether family pets or commercial livestock. ¨ Many opportunities exist for members to meet other 4-H'ers throughout the County, State, and Nation.
THE 4-H MISSION
The mission of the California 4-H Youth Development Program is to advance the field of youth development while helping young people reach their potential.
THE 4-H PLEDGE
As a true 4-H'er, I PLEDGE my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service, and my HEALTH to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
While learning about a particular subject area is a focus in 4-H projects, the purpose of the 4-H program is to build citizenship, leadership, and life skills. 4-H activities are a means to this greater end: helping kids grow into healthy, caring, competent adults.
Contact us:
Sacramento County 4-H Office
4145 Branch Center Road
Sacramento, CA 95827
(916) 875-6811
Email: cesacramento@ucdavis.edu