A guide full of information to help new members and their parents navigate their first year of 4-H

What is 4-H?

4-H is an informal, educational youth development program conducted by the Oregon State University Extension Service, as authorized by federal and state statutes. In each county, local Extension staff has the authority to administer the program in accordance with University and Extension policy. Extension staff members work with advisory groups to provide a program that meets the county needs. The traditional club program is where members belong to a club/group led by volunteer leaders and take part in club activities including education-based on the project focus, community service, and fun events. In addition to club activities, there is a wide variety of enrichment activities offered such as after-school and in-school programs, and day and overnight camps. 4-H also offers several state, national, and international opportunities to its members.

4-H leaders are trained volunteers who have enrolled with the Extension Service. They present information provided by Extension and Oregon State University. Publications your child receives for use with 4-H projects are developed by Extension faculty or other resource people. 4-H helps young people discover and develop life skills and set personal goals. Involvement in project areas gives members the help needed to improve specific skills and explore new ones. Activities within clubs also introduce members to the importance of helping others through community service.

4-H Members

Cloverbuds (Ages 5-8 as of September 1st)

For youth in grades K-3, this program is designed to meet the development characteristics of young children. It emphasizes cooperative learning and excludes competitive events; it is activity based not project based learning. Cloverbuds explore and experience many 4-H project areas except livestock, horse and dog.

Ages 9-19

Youth ages 9-19 as of September 1st belong to groups/clubs led by volunteer leaders and take part in activities such as community service, educational tours, and fun events. In addition to club activities, there is a wide variety of enrichment activities offered at the county, state, national and international levels.

4-H Age Groups:

• Novice: 1st year 4-H member with no previous experience in the project area
• Junior: Ages 9-11
• Intermediate: Ages 12-14
• Senior: Ages 15-19

4-H helps young people discover and develop life skills and set personal goals. Involvement in project areas gives members the help needed to improve specific skills and explore new ones. Activities within clubs also introduce members to the importance of helping others through community service.

4-H involves its members in several different projects, depending on interests and hobbies. Possible projects include foods, livestock, clothing, small animals, leadership, and photography. Click here for more information on 4-H projects in Wasco County.

The Mission Statement

The mission of 4-H is to develop youth and adult potential through:

• Developing leadership skills
• Learning by doing
• Being a life long learner through research based knowledge and the land grant university
• Having fun!

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.