As part of our country’s Cooperative Extension system and the United States Department of Agriculture, 4-H is the largest program in the USA that focuses on the mentoring and positive development of our youth. More than 100 years old, 4-H has helped countless thousands of young people learn leadership development skills through hands-on projects. There are many reasons your kids can benefit from 4-H.
4-H is for all kids:
There is a misconception that 4-H is just for “country kids” and focuses just on farming. On the contrary, 4-H clubs are also active in urban and suburban communities across the country and give kids opportunities to learn about science through projects in robotics, rocketry and many other educational endeavors.
4-H is always developing:
Through its partnerships with federal, state and local governments, 4-H is always researching new educational programs and opportunities to meet the needs of our youth. New opportunities that can’t be discovered in a classroom await youth in 4-H clubs.
Opportunities for traveling and networking:
Youth involved in 4-H have opportunities to attend national and regional events. For example, the Summer Citizenship Program, hosted by the National 4-H Conference Center in Maryland offers education in civic leadership to young people, helping them learn skills to create positive changes in their own communities.
4-H gets results:
The Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tuft’s University did a ten-year long study about the results of youth involvement in 4-H clubs. The study concluded that young people who participate in 4-H clubs are more much likely to be positively active in their communities, participate in out-of-school programs involving Science and Technology and make long term healthier lifestyle choices.
4-H is fun:
Kids in 4-H get to set their own project goals based on their personal interests. While doing so, they have opportunities to learn new skills and make new friends with common interests and build their self-confidence along the way.
Getting kids involved in 4-H can open up a whole new world of possibilities for them. Not your typical boys or girls club, 4-H teaches young people to chart their own path and make a positive difference in their communities. Inventing, creating, researching, doing and learning teamwork are among the many activities 4-H club members participate in. While growing their self-confidence and developing their leadership skills, kids get to have fun while learning and growing and making new friends.
