What is 4-H?

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-Hers do this in a number of ways. First, they can start locally in a 4-H club. There they can learn about any topic they would like, from livestock to small pets to gardening and computers. There are more than 100 project areas available. 4-Hers can then go on to participate in local and national conferences, public speaking contests, 4-H fairs, and so much more!

Each 4-Her defines their own 4-H experience so the possibilities are endless! There are over 7 million 4-Hers in the United States alone, making 4-H the largest out-of-school youth program. Everyone, ages eight through eighteen, can participate in the 4-H program. Cloverbud 4-H’ers may begin their experience early, at ages 5-7, but do not compete beyond
the local level.

4-H is a part of the Cooperative Extension Service, a non-profit program operated through each state's land grant university. The Cooperative Extension Service's staff operates 4-H offices throughout the counties of each state. Our
local office is in Prince Frederick, MD, and the 4-H Educator is Elaine Bailey.

In 4-H, youth learn life skills that will benefit them forever. Most 4-H programs center around three areas, leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H is also the only youth program that has approved educational curriculum for use in the schools.

The 4-H pledge says it all….. /I pledge my head to clearer thinking/ --- responsible leaders, citizens, smart choices. /I pledge my heart to greater loyalty/ --- trustworthy citizens, helping others, caring for others. /I pledge my hands to larger service/ --- community service involvement, helping others. /I pledge my health for better living/ --- making smart food choices, caring for self, and exercising…. /For my club, my community, my country and my world/ ---- possibilities are
endless where your services could be used. Don’t limit yourself.

For more information about 4-H, visit their website at: http://extension.umd.edu/local/Calvert/4-H.cfm