Centre County 4-H Program

unity, and grow up to be a good citizen.

4-H is the only youth organization based at land grant universities and often the first experience many young people have with higher education. What Can 4-H Members Do?
· Make new friends
· Learn by doing
· Explore their interests

Go places
4-H is national program that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. Membership in 4-H is open to all youth, ages of 5 to 19, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or marital/parental status. Youth in 4-H participate in all kinds of projects, events, and activities through local clubs, special interest clubs, school programs, and individual memberships. Members choose projects to fit their interests, abilities, and the places where they live. 4-H projects involve hands-on learning, setting goals, and evaluating progress. While activities focus mainly on the local 4-H Club, members may also participate in group activities and events such as fairs, trips, camping, teen leader trainings, fundraising, achievement programs and county, regional and state learning opportunities. The program relies on parent and adult volunteer participation to help youth reach their potential.

4-H is a non-formal educational youth development program of the Cooperative Extension System. The program reaches 7 million youth in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military installations worldwide. It is the largest youth-serving program in the world with members in 82 countries.

4-Hers Learn By Doing
· Serve their community
· Become a teen leader
· Enjoy the outdoors
· Enjoy 4-H activities with their families

What Can Members Experience?
· Independence and friendships
· A sense of belonging with club members and adult volunteers
· A spirit of generosity in helping others
· And lots of opportunities to master life challenges

What is a 4-H Project? Members choose projects to fit their interests, abilities and the places where they live. 4-H projects are tools used to teach youth personal growth, development, appreciation of diversity, and life skills such as responsibility, sound decision making, initiative and appreciation. More than 150 projects are available, including gardening, sewing, pet care, rocketry, insects, careers, wildlife, raising large animals, cooking, creating Web sites, geographic information systems, babysitting and much more. 4-H projects involve hands-on learning, setting and achieving goals and evaluating one’s progress. What is a 4-H Group or Club? Members may belong to an organized club or special interest group, participate in a school enrichment program or out-of-school program, or study alone with a parent or other adult. They may meet on a formal basis with elected officers and hold regular meetings, or meet informally to work on projects. While activities focus mainly on the local 4-H club, members can also participate in group activities such as fairs and other events, trips, camping, teen leader trainings, fundraising, community service programs, achievement programs, and county, regional and state learning opportunities.

4-H Cloverbud™ Program (Grades K­–3)
Cloverbuds is an exciting 4-H program for 5- to 8-year old children in Pennsylvania. Like the 4-H program for older youth, Cloverbuds can help youngsters grow into competent, caring and contributing members of their families and communities. The program offers noncompetitive, age-appropriate activities designed to help children learn about life.



4-H Goals

To increase a member’s knowledge in a variety of project areas, while teaching life-skills such as decision-making, public speaking, and leadership. These goals can be accomplished through communicating in a group, working cooperatively, and being responsible. Members can learn through experience, preparing, designing, and evaluating their projects. Interested parents and other adults have opportunities to grow through working with 4-H members. Who Helps 4-H'ers? The program relies on adult (and older teen) volunteers or family members to guide 4-H members as they work on projects and participate in activities. The leader teaches 4-H’ers how to think—not what to think—and helps them to reach their potential. What Does 4-H Do to Ensure the Safety of Children and Youth?
4-H has a volunteer-screening policy. Your local county’s extension office has complete details about the process. In addition, policies and procedures are in place to ensure 4-H programs take place in a positive and safe environment.