What is 4-H?

4-H is the largest youth serving organization in the country, with well over six million children impacted by 4-H activities. Locally, there are over 700 Clinton County Youth involved in the program. The 4-H Program is open to youth in grades 2-12. It is a volunteer-led organization that reaches youth through a variety of programs in both rural and urban settings. 4-H provides fun, educational opportunities at the local, state, national, and international levels. 4-H programs are hands-on, age-appropriate, and university-based. 4-H helps youth improve their self-confidence; learn subject matter; and develop important skills including leadership, citizenship, communication, and decision-making that can be applied over a lifetime. For older teens, 4-H also offers opportunities to develop and test their leadership skills as 4-H volunteers and working with youth. For Adults, 4-H offers opportunities for training in a variety of areas including youth development, instruction, and more.

In Indiana, 4-H is part of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, and nationally, it is part of the Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Local leadership is provided by 4-H Youth Extension Educators and trained leaders. The program is supported financially by county, state, and federal tax dollars.

You may ask yourself, why are so many youth in this nation involved in 4-H? The reason is: They have FUN learning with new and old friends in clubs and classrooms, and at meetings, social activities, tours, trips, camps, and fairs. They learn about themselves and experience new challenges. There are numerous opportunities that Clinton County 4-Hers receive. They can go on trips to Purdue University, where they learn about college education, college life, and possible career avenues. For our younger 4-Hers we offer a three-day summer camp with the opportunity to meet lots of new faces. 4-Hers also have the chance to attend leadership trainings in Indianapolis &Washington D.C. A select number of 4-Hers are chosen to participate in an exchange program with Japanese youth. An endless number of scholarships are offered to 4-Hers to help fund their college aspirations.

4-H is well known for the presence it has at the Clinton County & 4-H Fair. 4-Hers from the entire county exhibit their projects, on which they have worked for months, at the fair. They compete for ribbons, trophies, awards and, in addition, enjoy the honor of having their project displayed for all to see. But these projects are not just about receiving awards; they are used as a learning tool. When a 4-Her enrolls in a project, he/she receives a manual with educational content supported by Purdue University. These manuals guide 4-Hers through a variety of activities and experiences that allows them to gain competence and skills that will be with them for a lifetime.

As we know, all kids are different, so how does this program have something to interest all kinds, types and ages of them? In Clinton County we offer over 50 different 4-H projects. These projects range from cats, dogs, swine, sheep and rabbits to models, small engines, aerospace, tractor pulling and bicycle to photography, wildlife, collections, forestry and weather to cake decorating, sewing, foods, arts &crafts and garden. 4-H is not limited to those youth who live on a farm, there are many projects targeted toward the urban child. There are projects which allow a 4-Her to lease an animal for the summer. These projects include Llama and Horse & Pony. The lease program allows the 4-Her an opportunity to learn to be responsible for the care of an animal and how to work with the animal.