What is 4-H?

• The purpose of 4-H is twofold:

1. To provide real life experiences for youth through a fun and practical, learn-by-doing educational program.
2. To provide opportunities for parents and other interested adults to work with youth in their development.

• 4-H is a volunteer-led organization that reaches boys and girls through small groups called clubs.  UW-Cooperative Extension staff provides professional leadership for the 4-H program.

• 4-H is an informal educational program through which parents, other interested adults and youth themselves can help young people develop the confidence, social skills, decision-making abilities and subject matter knowledge that they need to lead a richer, fuller life and to be responsible citizens.

• 4-H is a family affair where youth and adults get together to learn new things, meet new friends and have fun.

• 4-H members decide for themselves which projects they want to learn more about.  Most projects use hands-on learning experiences to teach subject matter and life skills.

• 4-H is for all boys and girls in grades K – 13 (one year out of high school).  There are special projects for the youngest members:

• Kindergarten and 1st graders are enrolled in the Cloverbud project. 

• Youth in 2nd and 3rd grade are enrolled in the beginning 4-H project called Exploring.  (Third graders also have the option of becoming junior 4-H members rather than enrolling in the Exploring project.)

All other youth are enrolled as regular 4-H members.

• The 4-H program is open to any youth and adults regardless of their background, race, creed, or disability.

4-H focuses on your head, heart, hands and health.  In short, it touches every part of your life! 

We look forward to working with you to make 4-H a time for fun, learning, growing and sharing across the Buffalo County community.

Return to 4-H Youth Development Home Page