4-H is a youth development program that is overseen by the Cooperative Extension System of the United States.http://www.4-h.org/ 4-H youth are involved in learning about engineering and technology, plant and animal science, environmental technology and alternative energy, healthy living education, as well as citizen and leadership programs.https://site.4-h.org/nysd/ Hands on learning is stressed as well as self motivation and determination. The program is designed for children between the ages of 8-18, although some areas have programs for younger children.http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_join.htm 4-H consists of over 6 million youth and adults working together to help youth get hands on learning experience in a variety of fields, and to administer research based programs with adult mentors. http://www.4-h.org/ 4-H clubs may be found in urban neighborhoods, the suburbs, as well as the rural farming communities. http://www.4-h.org/
The 4-H symbol is a 4 leaf clover with an H in each leaf. The H’s stand for heart, head, hands, and health. http://www.4-h.org/ The color of the clover is green with the H’s being white. White stands for purity. http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_lore.htm The green was chosen because it is the predominant color of nature,and it also represents youth and growth. http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_lore.htm
4-H History
In the late 1800’s the young people from America’s farms were starting to move to the cities as they looked for jobs. http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_timeline.pdf As a result, those interested in bringing life back into the agricultural communities sought to draw these young people back to their rural roots. They found that while the older generation resisted the introduction of new ideas that might help advance America’s farms, the youth were drawn to them and were more likely to be innovative.http://www.4-h.org/about/4-h-history/ In different states around the country educators began to form clubs to encourage learning, new ideas, and hands on experience. These first clubs consisted of boys and girls and were called “corn growing clubs”. http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_timeline.pdf Contests and fairs were held to encourage participation and awards were given. The first organized club was in 1902 by A.B. Graham in Ohio. http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_timeline.pdf The clover leaf pin was developed in 1910 and by 1912 the clubs were known as 4-H. http://www.4-h.org/about/4-h-history/
When the Cooperative Extension System was founded in 1914 it formed a partnership with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_timeline.pdf This partnership helps to fund educational opportunities and give technical advice. http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_timeline.pdf 4-H is an example of one of these programs that is funded. http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_timeline.pdf
4-H Pledge
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.http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_lore.htm
4-H History
Learn the history of the 4-H club. Educators started to focus on teaching children to appreciate the rural life. Clubs were formed all over the United States and were shaped by the needs of the individual communities. An interview with Mr. Graham, a pioneer of some of the 4-H clubs, is included. There is also an interview with Jessie Field Shambaugh who talks about the founding of the girls clubs and the making of the original 3 leaf clover symbol. A list of the of the original 4-H organizers are included towards the end.
References
Fast Facts
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Origin
1902
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First 4-H club
"The Tomato Club" or the "Corn Growing Club"
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Purpose
Prepares young people to step up to the challenges in their workplace, community, and the world by learning everyday skills.
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Organization
4-H is the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension System.
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Contact
Local extension office for information
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Membership
Over 6 million youth and adults
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Motto
"To Make The Best Better"
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Symbol
