4-H takes Cornell University to the youth of New York State.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development System is to enable youth to develop knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors to be competent, caring adults.
MEMBERSHIP: 4-H is available to all youth, ages 8-19, regardless of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or marital statues may join 4-H. Adult volunteer leaders come from all walks of life. They serve on boards of directors, and advisory committees in addition to carrying out their responsibilities as club leaders, special interest group instructors, etc.
More information on Enrollment click here.
FOUNDED: Congress passed the Smith Lever Act in 1914. This provided for a
National Cooperative Extension Service giving each state a land grant university. Cornell University is New York State’s land grant university. Under it, the “boys” and “girls” “club work” became 4-H.
WORLD SCOPE: 4-H is international, with more than 80 countries having 4-H or
organizations modeled after 4-H programs. 4-H and its counterpart programs have sought to promote international understanding and a feeling of “oneness” among people globally. 4-H is a world leader in developing youth to become productive citizens and catalysts for positive change to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society. 4-H Clubs are also on US Military bases throughout the world.
WHAT IS 4-H: 4-H is a unique, informal education program for boys and girls. It is one of the largest youth programs in the world. 4-H’ers live in small towns, cities, the suburbs and on farms. They come from all economic and cultural backgrounds. They “learn by doing”, and work on varied projects.
4-H EMBLEM: The emblem is a four leaf clover with an “H” in each leaf. The letters in the emblem stand for HEAD, HEART, HANDS, and HEALTH. – the foundation of all 4-H programs.
4-H leaders help members develop…
HEAD…..Learning to think, make decisions, understand the
“whys”, gain new and valuable knowledge.
HEART….Be concerned with the welfare of others, accept responsibilities of citizenship, determine values and attitudes by
which to live, learn how to work with others.
HANDS…..Learn new skills, perfect skills already known,
develop pride in work and respect for it.
HEALTH …..Practice healthful living, protect the well-being of
self and others, make constructive use of leisure time.
4-H PLEDGE: (adopted at the first National 4-H Camp, 1927)
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 MOTTO: “To Make the Best Better”
4-H METHOD: “Learn by Doing”
4-H COLORS: Green & White
Green – Nature’s most common color and emblematic of springtime, life and youth.
White – symbolizes purity and high ideals.
LOCAL OFFICE:
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County
220 Herald Place 2nd Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-424-9485 x 236
Weekdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
NEW YORK STATE 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT:
340 Roberts Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Phone: 607-255-4799
NATIONAL 4-H CENTER:
National 4-H Council
7100 Connecticut Avenue
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
NATIONAL 4-H WEBSITE: For more information
click here.
More 4-H Club/Program Information:
What is 4-H Club? Click here.
4-H Programs in Onondaga County. Click here.
4-H Clubs in Onondaga County. Click here.
Youth Enrollment. Click here.
4-H Happenings - News Releases and Events Calendar. Click here.
What is a 4-H Project? Click here.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Downloadable Forms:
June Clinic registration form. Click here.
Acknowledgment of Risk form (horse). Click here.
Youth Fair forms:
Youth Fair Rules & Information. Click here.
4-H Club End of Year/Financial report. Click here.