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What is 4-H?

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4-H is fun! 4-H is the excitement of seeing a young person's world expand. The basic philosophy behind 4-H is that informal education can be a valued addition to a young person's learning process. 4-H programs are cooperatively developed in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture, University of Vermont Extension and other land-grant colleges across the country, and local communities. 4-H creates opportunities that promote positive youth development.

4-H is a world leader in helping youths develop and become productive citizens who will be able to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society.  4-H teaches youth leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

4-H stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health and strives to incorporate four essential elements for positive youth development: mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity.

4-H programs teach subject areas and cultivate skills the promote success in life. In other words, 4-H helps young people learn how to present themselves, feel comfortable with others, make sound decisions, and much, much more.

Types of 4-H opportunities

In 4-H clubs, youth belong to a group, elect officers, plan and attend meetings, conduct community service, participate in competitions or other events, and make friends. Typically the club picks a project, with a learn-by-doing approach, that serves as a vehicle for learning both subject matter skills and life skills.

A special interest program or 4-H workshop is a short-term opportunity to learn a particular subject while simultaneously learning life skills. It is less formal than a 4-H club and may be used as part of an after school program or summer camp.

4-H may also be found in the schools, with in-school enrichment opportunities that supplement or enhance classroom learning conducted by either the teacher or a volunteer.

Who leads 4-H activities?

Adult volunteers are the key to success in 4-H. Trained by Extension staff, volunteers have many long-term or short-term leadership opportunities. Volunteers may help organize clubs, serve as after school program staff, in-school resources, mentors, or fundraisers. And of course, volunteers are the heart of the program!

Learn more about 4-H

The University of Vermont 4-H program cannot happen without the help of 4-H volunteers. To learn more about 4-H, volunteering, or how to get your child involved, please contact your local UVM Extension county office, (toll-free, in Vermont):

Bennington - 1-800-287-1552
Berlin - 1-866-860-1382
Brattleboro - 1-800-278-5480
Burlington - 1-800-571-0668
Guildhall - 1-800-639-1207
Middlebury - 1-800-956-1125
Morrisville - 1-866-260-5603
Newport - 1-866-260-5561
Randolph Center - 1-800-698-1581
Rutland - 1-800-281-6977
St. Albans - 1-800-639-2130
St. Johnsbury - 1-800-545-8920
White River Jct. - 1-800-278-5471

 

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