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The 4-H Club - What is it?


A 4-H club consists of 5 or more school-age youth, guided by one or more adult volunteers. The 4-H Club’s goal is long-term youth development, which encourages its participants to learn life skills that will help them grow into healthy and productive citizens.

A 4-H club is an informal, educational youth opportunity, which serves as a “hands-on” laboratory for helping youth grow in any or all of the following ways:
  • Learning how to make thoughtful decisions
  • Developing a zest and skill for lifelong learning
  • Learning positive socialization skills by working in a group and as part of a team
  • Improving their communication skills
  • Learning and using practical technical skills
  • Acquiring confidence and a positive attitude toward self
  • Enhancing citizenship skills by developing an awareness and involvement in their community
  • Developing leadership and teamwork skills
  • Exploring possible vocations and careers
  • Learning to manage time wisely and set priorities
  • Interacting with adults who act as role models and have a positive influence on their lives
  • Spending quality time with their parents in a mutually rewarding setting

 

TYPES OF CLUBS

Neighborhood 4-H Clubs are groups of youth (5 or more) that are usually led by parents/guardians. They meet in schools, churches, community centers, or homes to complete a variety of 4-H projects throughout the year. With the exception of a few countywide clubs, members are usually from the same community.


MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

All youth regardless of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or marital status may join 4-H.

Age and grade in school – In New York State 4-H membership is limited to children 8 years old through youth age 19. Youth must turn 8 by January 1 of the current 4-H year and teenagers may not enroll or re-enroll if they will turn 19 before January 1st of the new club year (October 1 to September 30).

Independent membership – When circumstances prevent a child from joining a 4-H club that child may participate in the 4-H Club Program by enrolling as an independent member. Independent members work on projects of their choice at their own pace with parental or other adult assistance. They are encouraged to participate in county activities.

Minimum size of clubs – In New York State a group must have a membership of 5 or more youth to form or remain as a club. Smaller groups may register youth as independent members.

For more information about Youth Enrollment click here.


VOLUNTEER LEADERS

Several types of volunteer roles contribute to the leadership of the 4-H Club Program. They include:

Organizational Leader - The organizational leader establishes and maintains a club structure that supports 4-H Youth Development activities for school age youth within a defined area. He/she works with the project leader, activity leader and youth in planning the club program; arranges for meeting facilities; complies with Cornell Cooperative Extension procedures; ensures that all enrollments, program registrations and reports are filled out and turned in to the county 4-H office; keeps the 4-H Educator staff informed about activities, accomplishments and problems. An organizational leader may also act as a project leader.

Project Leader - The project leader provides instruction and guidance to 4-H members when doing a project. The key component of the project leader’s role is teaching; the “classroom” is wherever the members meet in order to work on their project(s). Project leaders may also assist with project-related activities on the county level and guide members in the selection of projects and the completion of project reports.

Activity Leader - The activity leader is responsible to help members plan for and participate in one or more specific activities the club has included in its yearly plan. These include such things as community service, public presentation, special celebrations, trips, etc.

Resource Leader – Resource leaders are volunteers who are selected by Cooperative Extension staff to aid, train and work with 4-H club leaders or members on a short-term basis. They have a specialization in a certain program area. Resource leaders often teach workshops or serve as evaluators at fairs and contests.

For more information about Volunteer Leaders click here.


4-H CLUB NAMES

Members and leaders work together to select a name for a new 4-H club. Once your club is chartered you will not want to change its name. Therefore it is important that the name can stand the test of time – not too trendy or juvenile. So avoid using the names of TV cartoons, situation comedies, singing groups, etc. Also, the name should not imply that its membership is limited to any group protected by equal program opportunity regulations. For example, names such as the 4-H Lads or Lassies, Kings or Queens would be inappropriate.

4-H SYMBOLISM

4-H Motto - “To Make the Best Better”
This national 4-H Motto should be the objective of each 4-H leader and member.

4-H Slogan - “Learning by Doing”
This is the educational philosophy of the 4-H program. Since young people learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process, 4-H projects are designed to provide “hands-on” experience that is reinforced through group discussion and application – “do – reflect – apply.”