4-H 392754 226028399 2008-07-16T14:38:30Z 198.109.219.254 [[Image:4H Emblem.GIF|thumb|right|150px|Official 4-H emblem]] [[Image:DSCN0543 millerranch e 300.jpg|275px|right|thumb|Sign announcing 4-H membership on a ranch in [[Larimer County, Colorado]].]] '''4-H''' in the United States is a [[youth organization]] administered by the [[Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service]] (CSREES) of the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] (USDA) with the mission of "engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development."<ref>[http://ca4h.org/4hinfo/md/YDPRptBk10.pdf "California 4-H Mission and Direction"]</ref> The four "H"s stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. The organization serves over 6.5 million members in the United States from ages 5 to 19 in approximately 90,000 clubs.<ref>[http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/pv_obj_cache/pv_obj_id_67DEE17C0C72A37211E30C35209E08E396F50000 National 4-H Council], [http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/library/4hhq_onesheet.pdf National 4-H Headquarters], and e-mail dated December 3, 2007 from Suzanne Le Menestrel, National Program Leader, Youth Development Research, National 4-H Headquarters</ref> 4-H clubs and related organizations now exist in many other countries as well; the organization and administration varies from country to country. 4-H is even mentioned in Dixie Chicks song "Good Bye Earl" and Craig Morgan's song "International Harvester". The goal of 4-H is to develop citizenship, leadership, and life skills of youth through mostly experiential learning programs. Though typically thought of as an agriculturally focused organization as a result of its history, 4-H today focuses on citizenship, healthy living, and science, engineering and technology programs. == History == [[Image:4Hcows.jpg|Boys judging prize heifers at a 4-H Fair in Charleston, W. Va., 1921.|thumb|left]] The foundations of 4-H began around the start of the twentieth century, with the work of several people in different parts of the United States. The focal point of 4-H has been the idea of practical and "hands-on" learning, which came from the desire to make public school education more connected to rural life. Early programs tied both public and private resources together to benefit rural youth. During this time, researchers at experiment stations of the [[Land-grant university|land-grant universities]] and [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] saw that adults in the farming community did not readily accept new agricultural discoveries. But, educators found that youth would "experiment" with these new ideas and then share their experiences and successes with the adults. So rural youth programs became a way to introduce new [[Timeline of agriculture and food technology|agriculture technology]] to the adults. [[A. B. Graham]] started one of the youth programs in [[Clark County, Ohio|Clark County]], [[Ohio]] in 1902, which is considered the birth of the 4-H program in the United States. The first club was called "The Tomato Club,"or the "Corn Growing Club." When Congress created the [[Cooperative Extension Service]] of the USDA by passage of the [[Smith-Lever Act of 1914]], it included within the CES charter the work of various boys' and girls' clubs involved with agriculture, home economics and related subjects. By 1924 these clubs became organized as "4-H" clubs and the clover emblem was adopted.<ref>[http://cals.arizona.edu/aes/mac/ag-ventures/4-H_detailed_history.htm 4-H Detailed History]</ref> The first 4-H camp was held in Randolph County, [[West Virginia]]. Originally, these camps were for what was referred to as "Corn Clubs". Campers slept in corn fields, in tents, only to wake up and work almost the entirety of each day. Superintendent of schools, G. C. Adams began a boys corn club in [[Newton County, Georgia]], in 1904. However, the city of [[Jacksboro, Texas]] also stakes a claim to having the first forerunner to 4-H in 1910. 4-H membership hit an all-time high in 1974, as a result of its popular educational program about nutrition, [[Mulligan Stew]], shown in schools and on television across the country. The 4-H motto is "To make the best better," while its slogan is "Learn by doing." ==Pledge== The 4-H pledge is as follows: <blockquote> ''"I pledge my head to clearer thinking,''</br> ''my heart to greater loyalty,''</br> ''my hands to larger service''<br/> ''and my health to better living,''<br/> ''for my club, my community, my country, and my world."'' </blockquote> The original pledge was written by Otis Hall of Kansas in 1918. California 4-H adds either "As a true 4-H member" or "As a loyal 4-H member" at the beginning of the pledge. Minnesota and Maine 4-H add "for my family" to the last line of the pledge. Originally, the pledge ended in "and my country", later the "and my world" was added. ==Emblem== <!-- [[Image:http://ca4h.org/4hresource/clover/4h_mark2.jpg]] --> The official 4-H emblem is a green [[four-leaf clover]] with a white 'H' on each leaf standing for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. White and green are the 4-H colors. The white symbolizes high ideals. The green represents springtime, growth, life, and youth. The 4-H Name and emblem have U.S. federal protection under federal code 18 U.S.C. 707.<ref>[http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe?getdoc+uscview+t17t20+451+0++()%20%20AND%20 U.S. House of Representatives, 18 USC Sec. 707, 4-H club emblem fraudulently used]</ref> This federal protection makes it a mark unto and of itself with protection that supersedes the limited authorities of both a [[trademark]] and a [[copyright]]. The [[United States Secretary of Agriculture|Secretary of Agriculture]] is given responsibility and stewardship for the 4-H Name and Emblem, at the direct request of the [[United States Congress|U.S. Congress]]. These protections place the 4-H emblem in a unique category of protected emblems like the [[Seal of the President of the United States|U.S. Presidential Seal]], [[American Red Cross|Red Cross]], [[Smokey Bear]] and the [[Olympic symbols|Olympic rings]].<ref>[http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/library/4-Hguidelines-v4-26-04.pdf Using the 4-H Name and Emblem]</ref> ==Program delivery== [[Image:Sheep working.jpg|275px|right|thumb|Sheep raising is offered as a 4-H project along with hundreds of other topics.]] 4-H is a community of young people across America learning citizenship, leadership, and life skills. 4-H programs can be found in three expansive mission mandates: Science, Engineering, and Technology (4-H SET), Citizenship, and Healthy Living. The 4-H program aims to educate youth in arts and sciences, and to encourage fellowship and service opportunities. With continued [[urban sprawl]], 4-H continues to develop new projects for its members to study beyond agriculture and animal husbandry, including photography, conservation, cooking, public speaking, history, art, and other pursuits. The organization is often associated with [[summer camp]]s, [[county fair]]s and [[state fair]]s. 4-H has spread out across the world, and regularly awards and sponsors the [[International Four-H Youth Exchange]] (IFYE), trips, and cultural events (see external links). Although having embraced many new fields of endeavor over the years, 4-H retains a strong connection to its roots in agriculture and the associated values of thrift, invention, education, compassion, conservation, encouragement, service, and general happiness and well-being. ==Youth Development Research== <!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:wyoming4h.jpg|Preparing for Fair|thumb|left|{{deletable image-caption|1=Tuesday, 12 February 2008}}]] -->Through the program's tie to land-grant institutions of higher education, 4-H academic staff are responsible for advancing the field of youth development.<ref>[http://ca4h.org/4hinfo/md/YDPRptBk10.pdf "California 4-H Mission and Direction"]</ref> Professional academic staff are committed to innovation, the creation of new knowledge, and the dissemination of new forms of program practice. Youth development research is undertaken in a variety of forms including program evaluation, applied research, and introduction of new programs. ==Volunteers== Program delivery relies heavily on a large volunteer corps. Volunteers may serve in a variety of roles. Some are project leaders who teach youth skills and knowledge in an area of interest. Others are unit or community club leaders who organize clubs, groups, camps, and other programs. Resource leaders are available to provide information and expertise. 4-H volunteers work under the direction of professional staff to plan and conduct activities and events, develop and maintain educational programs, and secure resources in support of the program. ==4-H Camping Programs== Every U.S. state runs its own independent camping program. 4-H camping programs in most states are run through [[land-grant institution]]s. [[Washington State University]] runs the Washington program, as [[Pennsylvania State University]] runs Pennsylvania's. The [[Georgia 4-H]] camping program boasts the largest youth center in the world, known as [http://www.rockeagle4h.org/ Rock Eagle]. ent. The first 4-H camp was at Camp Good Luck in Randolph County, West Virginia. The first ''state'' 4-H Camp was held at Jackson's Mill outside of Weston in Lewis County, West Virginia. Jackson's Mill is the boyhood home of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. ===Native American imagery=== For many years, [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] imagery was a fundamental part of the summer camping programs of several states. By 2002, [[Virginia]] and [[West Virginia]] were among the last states that continued to promote the use of Native American imagery. Following a complaint to the USDA, the Virginia Extension Service removed all traditions related to Native Americans, including the decades-long practice of dividing campers into tribes, either [[Mattaponi]], [[Monacan]], [[Pamunkey]], or [[Cherokee]] (all tribes native to Virginia).<ref>[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_go1637/is_200206/ai_n7023045/print "Virginia 4-H yields; Officials drop terms offensive to some Indians"] by Jon Ward, ''[[The Washington Times]]'', [[June 28]], [[2002]]</ref> The West Virginia University Extension Service also decided in 2002 to discourage the use of any Native American imagery, but later restored what it determined to be "respectful" practices, such as dividing campers into [[Cherokee]], [[Lenape|Delaware]], [[Mingo]], or [[Seneca]] "tribes."<ref>[http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:www.hepc.wvnet.edu/news/121502clips.pdf "4-H says camps will keep Indian traditions"] by Jon Ward, ''[[The Washington Times]]'', [[December 17]], [[2002]]</ref> ==Collegiate 4-H clubs== Many colleges and universities have Collegiate 4-H clubs. Usually members are students who are 4-H alumni and want to continue a connection to 4-H, but any interested students are welcome. Clubs provide service and support to their local and state 4-H programs, such as serving as judges and conducting training workshops. They are also a service and social group for campus students. The very first Collegiate 4-H club started in 1916 on the [[Oklahoma State University - Stillwater]] campus. The National Collegiate 4-H website is: [http://www.collegiate4h.org www.collegiate4h.org] ==Youngest members== Some regions offer programs for youth in grades K-3 called Cloverbuds, Cloverkids, 4H Adventurers, Primary Members, or Mini 4-H. Most states prohibit this age group from competition due to research in [[child development]] demonstrating that competition is unhealthy for youth ages 5 - 8 years old.{{Fact|date=November 2007}} ==All Stars== Finding its roots in the early 4-H movement in [[West Virginia]], the 4-H All-Star program strives to recognize and challenge 4-H members and volunteers. State 4-H Club Leader William H. "Teepi" Kendrick sought to develop youth to "be yourself at your best" and to "make the best better" through a four-fold personal development pattern involving the head, hands, heart, and at that time, hustle. It was with this philosophy, in collaboration with others, that the 4-H emblem was born. In an attempt to harbor further individual growth, Kendrick recognized excellence with pins bearing one, two, three and four Hs. Recognition for outstanding participation was rewarded, from 1917-1921 with trips to a Prize Winner's Course at [[West Virginia University]]. Members who demonstrated outstanding qualities at these courses were awarded five-pointed red pins with five Hs, with this additional H to symbolize honor. The recipients of these pins were referred to by Kendrick as "All Stars". It was following the pin consecration ceremony in 1919 that the official West Virginia 4-H All Stars organization was chartered, becoming the Alpha Chapter of the nation-wide 4-H honorary.<ref>[http://www.wv4hallstars.org/History.html "West Virginia 4-H All Star History"]</ref> Many states have "All Star" programs, although All Star programs vary from state to state. Selection as a "4-H All Star" is a recognition of achievement. In [[California]], for example, it is the highest achievement award at the county level, and is a position awarded annually.<ref>[http://ca4h.org/leadership/allstar/index.asp "4-H All Star" California]</ref> Similarly, the capstone award in Texas 4-H is the Gold Star Award, which is given to Seniors who have shown outstanding leadership and proficiency in their project areas.<ref>[http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/4h/4Hpdf/07%20Gold%20Star%20Information%20Packet.pdf Texas Gold Star Award Application] </ref> In [[Virginia]], on the other hand, All-Stars are not simply those who have achieved an All-Star award, but are those who have gained membership into the Virginia All-Stars organization. Upon reaching the age of 15, 4-H members are eligible to apply for membership into the All-Stars organization, which promotes the continuation of 4-H principles.<ref>[http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/allstarbrochure.pdf Virginia 4-H "All-Star Brochure"] by the [http://www.ext.vt.edu/ Virginia Cooperative Extension].</ref> ==Conferences== Many conferences are held at various levels of the 4-H program for youth and adults. The National 4-H Conference is the [[USDA]] Secretary’s premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program. Other conferences are held by regional and state entities for youth, for volunteer development, or professional development for staff. ==Around the World== 4-H and related programs exist in over 80 countries around the world. These programs operate independently, as there is no international 4-H organization. However, through international exchanges, global education programs, and communications, they share a common bond in 4-H. ==References== <references/> ==External links== <!--===========================({{NoMoreLinks}})===============================--> <!--| DO NOT ADD MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A COLLECTION OF |--> <!--| LINKS. If you think that your link might be useful, do not add it here, |--> <!--| but put it on this article's discussion page first or submit your link |--> <!--| to the appropriate category at the Open Directory Project (www.dmoz.org)|--> <!--| and link back to that category using the {{dmoz}} template. |--> <!--| |--> <!--| Links that have not been verified WILL BE DELETED. |--> <!--| See [[Wikipedia:External links]] and [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details |--> <!--===========================({{NoMoreLinks}})===============================--> * [http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/ National 4-H Headquarters] Official 4-H website by the [[USDA]] * [http://www.4husa.org/ 4-H USA] Community website by 4-H youth * [http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/ National 4-H Council] Non-profit partner of 4-H and the Cooperative Extension System * {{dmoz|Kids_and_Teens/People_and_Society/Organizations/Personal_Development/4-H/|4-H}} * [http://tt.flippedweb.com/] Central Area 4-H Tech Team (Iowa) ===National and international programs=== <!--===========================({{NoMoreLinks}})===============================--> <!--| DO NOT ADD MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A COLLECTION OF |--> <!--| LINKS. If you think that your link might be useful, do not add it here, |--> <!--| but put it on this article's discussion page first or submit your link |--> <!--| to the appropriate category at the Open Directory Project (www.dmoz.org)|--> <!--| and link back to that category using the {{dmoz}} template. |--> <!--| |--> <!--| Links that have not been verified WILL BE DELETED. |--> <!--| See [[Wikipedia:External links]] and [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details |--> <!--===========================({{NoMoreLinks}})===============================--> * [http://www.collegiate4h.org Collegiate 4-H] * [http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_atlas.htm 4-H World Atlas] [[Category:Youth organizations based in the United States]] [[Category:Agriculture organizations]] [[Category:Youth development organizations]] [[da:4H]] [[ja:4Hクラブ]] [[no:4H-bevegelsen]] [[nn:4H]] [[pl:4H (Organizacja)]] [[fi:4H-järjestö]] [[sv:4H]] [[zh:四健會]] and as you know many people are in 4h weather it is in horses ,bunnies , chickens ,or goats or what ever , we just wanted you to know that they are animals and they have feelings too so dont abuse them know matter what