What is 4-H?
The goal of 4-H is to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility, and life skills of youth through experiential learning programs and a positive youth development approach.
Typically thought of as an agriculturally focused organization as a result of its history, 4-H today focuses on citizenship, healthy living, science, engineering, and technology programs.
The 4-H Philosophy
Positive Youth Development
(PYD) is an intentional, pro-social approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances youths' strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.
What is so great about 4-H?
The 4-H Youth Development program is unique because it is specifically designed and facilitated by youth with the oversight of dynamic volunteer-leaders. The 4-H program is the ONLY youth development program specifically tailored to meet the needs and interest of participating youth. 4-H is whatever our youth wants and/or needs it to be.
There are several ways youth may participate in the 4-H program:
Community Clubs:
- For youth ages 8-18
- Meet year-round and offer a variety of learning & social activities
- Youth-led meetings
- Youth use Parliamentary Procedure
- Youth work with screened Volunteers to plan club activities and business meetings
- Members work on Individual Projects independently outside of club meetings
4-H SPIN Clubs:
- Members explore a SPecial INterest area
- Volunteers and youth share their expertise in a topic through learning activities, assisting members in developing new skills, and sharing ideas & what they learn with each other
- Meet a minimum of 6 sessions
- Current McHenry County 4-H SPIN Clubs are… Ambassadors, Robotics, Tech Team, Shooting Sports, Woodworking, Dogs, Horses, Rabbits, Beekeeping, Knitting
Cloverbud program:
- For younger children ages 5-7
- Members work on age-appropriate projects as a group and/or individually
- Members are encouraged to try new things
- Cloverbuds can be an independent group, or they may meet at the same time as a 4-H Club
Looking for more Resources about Projects, Cloverbuds, Enrollment, End of year paperwork , and Volunteer Information?
