WHAT DOES 4-H LOOK LIKE FOR YOUTH?
4-H is a national youth organization for boys and girls and the volunteer leaders who work with them. 4-H members build leadership skills, develop life skills, are given opportunities for community service, meet new friends, and most importantly, have fun! Members can choose projects that fit their personal interest and goals and are then introduced to an adult volunteer who has experience in the project field they are interested in learning about.
WHAT DOES 4-H LOOK LIKE FOR A PARENT/S?
Parents and other adults can volunteer to serve as leaders that teach or assist the 4-H members on their projects. If you are not ready to take on being a club leader you can still be an active adult figure in your child’s 4-H experience by volunteering. State wide Wisconsin 4-H has over 8,500 volunteers that mentor and foster positive adult and youth relationships. As a volunteer you are more than welcome to lead or assist with any and all 4-H activities/projects.
WHO CAN JOIN 4-H?
4-H membership is open to all boys and girls who are in grades K-13 of the current year. A program called Cloverbuds introduces K-2nd graders to 4-H by allowing them to participate in 4-H activities along with the rest of the membership but are limited in what they are allowed to display at county events such as the Fair. 4-H is open to all youth regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, or handicap.
WHEN CAN I JOIN 4-H?
You may join 4-H anytime during the year. However, members must join by April 1st of that year if they would like to exhibit 4-H projects at the county fair.
WHAT IS A 4-H PROJECT?
A project is an area of interest that the 4-H member wants to learn more about during the year. All members get project materials that help them to get started and a leader is usually available to help members with their project work.
4-H Offers Projects in these areas & more:
- Animal Science
- Communication & Cultural Arts
- Family, Home, and Health
- Mechanical Sciences
- Natural Resources & Outdoor Education
- Plant & Soil Sciences
- Cloverbuds and Exploring
- Self-Determined
WHAT PROJECTS SHOULD A FIRST YEAR MEMBER ENROLL IN?
All members grades K-2 should sign up for the Cloverbud I, II or III Project and members who are in grade 3 should sign up for the Exploring Project. Explorers may also enter additional projects for the fair. This gives new members a chance to try a little bit of many different 4-H projects. The activities you try in these projects will help you decide which projects you like and which you want to continue learning about in future years.
Older first year members are able to sign up for any projects that interest them.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN 4-H BESIDES WORK ON PROJECTS?
4-H has events and activities all year round. Some of the more popular activities are: young member trips, 4-H camp, and JLO. Many older 4-H’ers get the chance to travel to Madison, Washington D.C. and other locations in and out of the state. You may also attend the County or State Fair to show what you have learned about your projects! All members are eligible to earn 4-H awards for their work.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A 4-H MEMBER?
When you join 4-H it is expected that you will attend your club’s meeting, and enroll in at least one project. You are also asked to give a demonstration on your project to your club. You also have the option to exhibit your project at the fair. Then, at the end of the year, you turn in a completed record book of your activities in each project. You can also expect to have fun and learn!
HOW CAN PARENTS BECOME INVOLVED IN 4-H?
Parents are a very important part of 4-H. Parents help 4-H members choose their projects, provide support, transportation and encourage the 4-H’ers to do their best. Many parents choose to become resources to 4-H members by becoming project or activity leaders in subject areas they have knowledge in. For these activities, the leader invites members to a meeting place to work on projects. If you would like to take an even bigger role in your child’s 4-H career you can become a leader or co-leader for your child’s club.
Our 4-H Educator is:
Karrie Groothousen
311 E Miner Ave., Suite S140
Ladysmith, WI 54848
715-532-2155