Many people have heard of 4-H, but if you’ve never been involved with 4-H, either as a youth member, parent of a youth member, or adult volunteer, you may wonder, “what in the world is 4-H?” 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the US with millions of members across the nation. The symbol of 4-H is a green, four leaf clover with an “H” on each leaf of the clover. These Hs stand for the core values of 4-H: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.

The 4-H Pledge highlights these in more detail:

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.

4-H empowers young people ages 5-18 to “Learn by Doing” through projects, school enrichment, clubs, camps, and other fun and engaging programs delivered by Cooperative Extension. Young people interested in 4-H do not have to be a member of a 4-H club in order to participate, as individual projects are also available, allowing youth to learn and compete at their own pace. 4-H topics are wide-ranging and allow youth to learn subjects pertaining to foods/nutrition, healthy habits, agriculture, animal care/husbandry, environmental science, STEM subjects, and many, many more. When it comes to 4-H, there are numerous opportunities for any child with any interest.