4-H is Interesting!

Learn New Skills like Photography

Crafting is Fun!

Cross the Border in International Learning Activities

Go Hiking!

Learn New Skills

Learn from Experts in a Relaxed and Fun Atmosphere

Leadership Opportunities Abound

Volunteers are Appreciated

Make New Friends

About 4-H

4-H is more than a club.

Watch the Award Winning 4-H Promotional Video! (NOTE: this file is 39 MB and is very large, if you are using a dial-up modem it will take a very long time to download.)

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is about having fun, learning, exploring and discovering. In 4-H, young people make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and help shape their communities. About 50,000 Wisconsin youth are enrolled members of 4-H clubs in Wisconsin. Another 195,000 Wisconsin youth get involved in 4-H through special educational opportunities at school, in after school programs, or at neighborhood or youth centers. These youth live in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural communities.

4-H gives them a chance to pursue their own interests - from photography to computers, from building rockets to raising sheep. A list of 4-H projects is available online. They go places - to camp, to state and national conferences, even to other countries on 4-H exchange programs. They learn to be leaders and active citizens.

In 4-H clubs, they serve as officers and learn to conduct meetings, handle club funds, and facilitate group decision-making. In a growing number of communities, 4-H youth serve as youth representatives in municipal or county government or as members of Teen Courts. They give back to their communities. 4-H members get involved in volunteer projects to protect the environment, mentor younger children and help people who are less fortunate.

4-H experiences are designed to address the four essential elements of positive youth development: Belonging, Mastery, Generosity and Independence.

Essential Element Book Mark (2 pages, 300 KB, 2 per page, front and back of the handout) - Front and back of a handout featuring the four essential elements, with brief descriptions of the critical components of each element.

• 4-H Traditions - Pledge & Motto
• 4-H History
• Mission & Vision
• Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development State Staff
• 4-H Making a Difference for Youth in Wisconsin - Success Stories
• 4-H Youth Development Impact Reports
• UW-Extension 4-H News Releases

4-H Traditions

The 4-H Clover Emblem and Pledge Explained

The first 4-H emblem was a three-leaf clover, introduced sometime between 1907 and 1908. The three "H’s" represented head, heart and hands. In 1911, at a meeting of club leaders in Washington, a fourth "H" representing health was added and the current 4-H four-leaf clover emblem was approved. It is protected by the U.S. Congress. More information on Clover logo usage is available.

The 4-H pledge was worded by Otis Hall, Kansas state 4-H leader. It was approved at the first National 4-H Club Camp in 1927 in Washington, D.C. The words "my world" were added to the pledge in 1973. Their addition is the only change ever made to the 4-H pledge.

• HEAD stands for clearer thinking and decision-making. Knowledge that is useful throughout life.
• HEART stands for greater loyalty, strong personal values, positive self concept, concern for others.
• HANDS stands for larger service, workforce preparedness, useful skills, science and technology literacy.
• HEALTH stands for better living, healthy lifestyles.

4-H Pledge

I pledge....
my Head to clearer thinking,
my Heart to greater loyalty,
my Hands to larger service,
my Health to better living.
For my Club, my community, my country, and my world.

4-H Motto

To make the best better.

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4-H History

• The Early History of Wisconsin 4-H (3 pages, 50 KB)
• Noteworthy Dates in 4-H History

Mission

UW-Extension 4-H Youth Development integrates research, education, and community-based  partnerships, enabling youth to learn and practice skills to be productive citizens.

• 4-H Youth Development Mission and Vision Graphics -- Multicolor (1 page, 30 KB)
• 4-H Youth Development Mission Graphic -- White and Green (1 page, 1,296 KB)
• 4-H Youth Development Vision Graphic -- White and Green (1 page, 1,058 KB)
• Cooperative Extension Mission
• UW-Extension Mission

Vision

4-H Youth Development: A catalyst for positive community youth development.

Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development State Staff

• Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development State Staff

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4-H Making a Difference for Youth in Wisconsin - Success Stories

• 4-H Youth Development: Values and Philosophy (1 page, 30 KB)
• 4-H Community Clubs (1 page, 37 KB)
• 4-H Arts Program (1 page, 29 KB)
• Civic Engagement and Leadership (2 pages, 44 KB)
• Family, Home and Health (1 page, 37 KB)
• 4-H Mechanical Sciences Program (1 page, 30 KB)
• Natural Resources and Environmental Education (1 page, 30 KB)

4-H Youth Development Impact Reports

• 4-H Afterschool - Creating a safe place to be after the bell rings (1 page, 46 KB)
• 4-H Bike and Fitness Challenge - Getting youth more physically active (1 page, 44 KB)
• Camp Counselors - Teen counselors learn important skills (1 page, 45 KB)
• Coming Together: Race in Wisconsin - Bringing people together to discuss diversity (1 page, 62 kb)
• Community Outreach - Making a difference in the lives of youth (1 page, 33 KB)
• Community Partnerships -Coalitions benefit youth and communities (1 page, 36 KB)
• Creativity Flourishes with 4-H Arts and Communication Program Impact Report (2 pages, 76 KB)
• Healthy Youth Choices - Helping youth make informed choices (1 page, 55 KB)
• Strengthening Club Leadership - Training capable 4-H leaders (1 page, 30 KB)
• Teen Court - Appearing before a true jury of their peers (1 page, 50 KB)
• Youth in Governance - Making room at the table for young citizens (1 page, 49 KB)
• Youth Leadership - Giving youth meaningful leadership roles (1 page, 30 KB)

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