4-H Youth Development
What is 4-H?
4-H is a national youth organization with federal oversight. The federal governement provides funding to Kansas State University to manage K-State Extension. K-State Extension funnels the money to Wildcat Extension District, who uses the funds and local taxes to administer Wildcat Extension District 4-H. The Wildcat Extension District is composed of four counties: Labette, Crawford, Montgomery, and Wilson. Most 4-H activies are county specific but some are district-wide such as our judging teams, record books, etc.
4-H is a family activity. Families outline the projects they want to learn more about about set goals for the year. The family is responsible for learning and developing skill sets around their goals. Youth's accomplishments are showcased every summer at the county fair.
Each family is asked to join a club. Clubs typically met once a month for a business meeting and most project learning happens outside of these meetings.
Example of how a meeting might go:
Two sharp raps of the gavel bring a 4-H meeting room to order. Add a few extra raps if the members on the front row are a little squirrelly or the parents in the back are planning the next event. It can be daunting to walk into a 4-H meeting if you are unfamiliar with the program or families. It doesn’t have to be, though! The families are always friendly and 4-H members will help guide your youth to becoming an active member!
All 4-H meetings are led by older 4-H members. Two sharp raps of the gavel call the meeting to order and then you will be asked to stand with three raps of the gavel. The club will perform the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the 4-H pledge and motto. Don’t worry you don’t need to know the 4-H pledge before you show up, you’ll pick it up quickly at your monthly meetings! The club will then conduct roll call, which is answered with a question such as, "What was your favorite Christmas gift?" At the end of roll call, they’ll ask if any guests are present, and it’s important to stand up and state your name! The secretary will then read the minutes from last month’s meeting. Club officers will give their reports announcing things like the funds the club has in the bank, upcoming events to participate in, and reports from 4-H council or the fair board.
Within the business portion of the meeting, youth utilize parliamentary procedures to make the meeting more organized. They’ll start with any unfinished business to complete discussions or motions that were not addressed at the last meeting. Then move on to new business where members present suggestions or ideas for the club to participate in. After the business part of the meeting, members on the club schedule will present a project talk. The presentation can consist of a demonstration, a speech, or even talent. Song leaders and recreation leaders are also vital parts of the meeting, leading the club in songs and group-building activities. The timing for these activities varies depending on the club. Officers finish up the meeting with announcements and reminders for upcoming events, then the meeting is adjourned.
You often hear agents and members talking about all the fun activities we do in 4-H, like sewing camp, basketball tournaments, showing livestock, making rockets, etc. The best way to get involved in these activities is to start attending monthly 4-H meetings as a family!
The 4-H Pledge is recited at every meeting:
The four H's represent:
Head - Critical thinking, problem solving.
Heart - Self discipline, integrity, communication.
Hands - Serving others.
Health - Choosing healthy lifestyles.
Where do clubs meet?
There are clubs available across Crawford, Labette, Montgomery and Wilson counties.
- 4-H members must be at least 7 years old and not have had their 19th birthday by January 1 of the current year.
- The 4-H year runs from October 1 thru September 30.
There are different age restrictions to compete in certain competitive events, (i.e. livestock shows, shooting sports). Check with the county in which you are enrolled for their specific guidelines.