4-H Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions?

We've got answers! Here you will find several categories to help you get a better understanding of the 4-H program. If you still can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact our 4-H Office.

• Membership
• Projects
• 4-H History and Emblem
• Competitions and Fairs
• Volunteers
• Who's Who in 4-H?

Isn't 4-H just for farm kids?
No! 4-H is for all young people, regardless of where they live, what their backgounds are, or what interests them. Today in Illinois most 4-H members are from urban areas and they participate in projects to learn many different life skills.

What kinds of things can I do in 4-H?
There are all sorts of activities available through 4-H. You may participate in trips, workshops, 4-H Camp, tours, and all sorts of county activities, including the fair.

How do I join 4-H?
For information about joining 4-H in Milwaukee County, visit our Join 4-H webpage.

Who can join 4-H?

• 4-H is open to youth in grades Kindergarten through their first year of college
• 4-H is for boys and girls
• 4-H is open to youth regardless of race, religion, color, gender, national origin, handicap or place of residence.

Why join 4-H?
In 4-H you have the opportunity to meet new people, learn new things, travel across the country, develop life skills, and have fun all at the same time.

How can I find a club near me?
Download the latest edition of the Milwaukee County 4-H Club List. ( 2 pages, 29 KB)

How can I start a 4-H club?
Contact the 4-H Office and we will send you "Starting a 4-H Club", an informational packet that gives an overview of the 4-H program and requirements for starting a 4-H club. Call Michelle at 414-290-2437 or send her an email.

How much does it cost to belong to 4-H?
4-H members usually pay for the costs of project materials and activities. Some clubs have club dues, but members are not required to pay anything to be in the 4-H program itself.

Who are 4-H Projects for?
Seven million 4-H youth are involved in over 125 different project areas ranging from biotechnology to the arts. 4-H members choose project areas to focus on while they are involved in 4-H. Each youth chooses projects that interest them most.

What types of projects are offered in Milwaukee County ?
Download the Milwaukee County Project Guide ( 20 pages, 289 KB) for a complete list of the projects offered in Milwaukee County.

What does a 4-H project cost?
It varies. A member enrolled in visual arts might use supplies from around the home to practice the skills he or she is learning and have no additional expense. A member who buys and keeps a saddle horse might invest hundreds of dollars. Members should consider cost as they select a project. It should be realistic to the family situation.

Are 4-H members expected to do their own project work?
Yes--with help. 4-H is a "learn by doing" program. Leaders, youth leaders, and parents may tell or show a member how, but members are expected to learn how to do things themselves. One of the principles of 4-H is that allowing a youth to learn by doing builds self-worth.

Are projects done individually or as a group?
Both. Some projects like fishing or biking are more fun when done as a group. Others like making a dress or finishing a drawing may be done individually by each member of the group.

How do you select 4-H Projects?
First make a list of the things you like to do or would like to learn more about. Talk over your list with your parents, leaders, and friends. They may recognize some special things you're good at that you don't even realize you do well.

Then compare your list with the projects described in this guide and on any supplemental project list you may receive from your county. Ask yourself if you have the equipment, money, and time to do the projects that sound interesting.

Your club organizational leader or enrollment coordinator will give you a form when you're ready to sign up for projects. You'll notice that each project has a computer code number assigned to it. Mark that code number on the form. (Members should not use leader project code numbers unless signing up as a youth leader for that project.)

Some projects have more than one level, such as, beginning, intermediate, and advanced. If you've had a lot of experience in an area, you may want to skip the first or beginning level of a project. Some projects also have age recommendations.

If this is your first year in 4-H, choose one or two projects to concentrate on. Usually you can spend more than one year in a project unit because there are enough ideas there to span two or three years. Most 4-H'ers take the levels in order, but what you decide to take as part of your project work is up to you.

What is the 4-H Emblem?
The 4-H Emblem is the 4-H four-leaf clover. 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.

What is the 4-H motto?
4-H's motto is "To make the best better" but we also like to describe ourselves with "4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills," a phrase actually developed by 4-H youth across the country.

What is the 4-H Slogan?
The 4-H slogan is "Learn By Doing."

What is the 4-H Pledge?
"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."

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.

How did 4-H start?
The 4-H program was founded in 1902 and will celebrate its centennial in 2002. It initially started as corn clubs for boys and canning tomato clubs for girls. While maintaining its strong agricultural tradition, 4-H has diversified into a wide range of subjects like computers, science, public speaking and many others.

How many states have 4-H?
4-H can be found in all 50 states and the provinces of the United States. Check out our links to find 4-H near you!

4-H and 4-H related programs also exist in over 80 other countries around the world. Check out the 4-H Atlas to learn about 4-H in other countries.

What about the fair?
The fair is a fun time for 4-H members. During the fair you have a chance to be rewarded for all your hard work through the year. Your project will be judged and displayed for hundreds of people to see. And of course the fair has many fun and exciting activities for you to participate in. Most 4-Hers really look forward to the fair.

What is an exhibit?
An exhibit is an object or display designed to help a young person show what he or she has accomplished. Ideally it motivates a youth to learn and to have fun in a 4-H project. An exhibit is not an end in itself, nor does it measure all the learning that takes place from completing a project.

Where is Milwaukee County 's 4-H Fair?
The Milwaukee County Fair is held in conjunction with the Waukesha County Fair. It is held on the Waukesha County Fairgrounds.

What is the role of a 4-H Volunteer?
Adult volunteers play an important role in the 4-H program. Volunteers coordinate local community clubs and help to plan and conduct local, regional, state and national 4-H events. Over 500,000 teen and adult volunteers share their time and talents with 4-H youth.

Do I have to have kids to be a 4-H Volunteer?
No. 4-H volunteer leaders have to enjoy spending time with children helping them learn and develop, but they don't have to be parents.

When my kids join 4-H, do I have to become a 4-H Volunteer?
Parents don't have to become 4-H leaders when their children join 4-H, but most leaders appreciate the assistance of parents. This help can range from being an assistant leader to driving members to activities to supplying refreshments for club meetings.

How much does it cost to be a 4-H Volunteer?
Each 4-H Volunteer can determine what he or she wants to invest. The amount of money and time will depend on the number of members and the project(s) that are included. Vounteers can plan the time they spend in 4-H around their jobs and families. Extension materials, workshops and training seminars are provided at little or no cost. 4-H Leaders Council provides scholarships to many activities.

Do I have to know a lot about a subject to be a club leader?
No. At the request of their club members, many leaders get involved in projects that are unfamiliar to them. Using the numerous resources that are available to them, leaders can easily gain a working knowledge in any 4-H project area.

Where would I learn how to be a 4-H Leader?
Your main help would be at the Milwaukee County UW-Extension Office. Our staff would discuss with you your interest in working with youth, your previous experience, and your area of interest and background.  Materials you would need to organize a 4-H club would be given to you or you would be matched up with a leader in your neighborhood or county. 

What is the Extension Educator?
The Extension Educator is responsible for overseeing all of the county 4-H activities.

What is a Leader?
A Leader is an adult who has volunteered his or her time to work with kids by serving as advisors of 4-H clubs.  They do things like arrange for places to meet, work with your club officers on meetings and activities, and help kids out with their projects.  Leaders will also work with you on demonstrations, Share-The-Fun Acts, and other activities you might like to participate in.  Many Leaders also work very hard helping to put on the fair.

Are there different kinds of leaders?
Yes.  Some adults teach members how to do things and are called "project leaders."  They usually have a special interest or skill such as photography or clothing or gardening.  Adults who help a group get organized and run its meetings are called "organizational leaders." 

What do the officers in clubs have to do?
4-H clubs may have officers and whatever committees they need to conduct their business.  4-H has instructional materials available for presidents, vice presidents, secretaries, treasurers, news reporters, recreation leaders, health and safety leaders, song leaders, and devotions officers.  The club may have any number of officers depending on its needs.  It is a good idea to wait until the second or third meeting to elect officers so members know each other.

Who are junior leaders?
Junior leaders are older 4-H members who enroll in the Junior Leadership project to develop skills in working with others.  These teens assist the club leader and members with project work, club program and activities, and county events.