What does 4-H do?All 4-H events should foster an opportunity to promote Positive Youth Development (PYD) among young people. The 4-H program does this by providing a holistic approach to working with young people by respecting multiple learning styles, personalities, and motivations. Additionally, all 4-H programs should be implemented following an Experiential Learning approach. 4-H programs should give members positive, meaningful experiences and promote life skill development.
Strong county programs are foundational to the success of 4-H programming. District, State, and National Events complement county programs by offering many exciting opportunities ranging from educational conferences, workshops, and camps to competitive exhibitions, demonstrations, public speaking, and judging events. District and State Events should emphasize and support the county/club level program. All 4-H events and activities should be designed to allow youth to:
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gain experience and develop skills in gathering, absorbing, preparing, and presenting educational information
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enhance decision making capabilities
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make public presentations
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learn standards by which comparisons are drawn
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develop good sportsmanship
4-H professionals, volunteers, and parents are encouraged to keep competitive events in the proper perspective, making sure the event or award does not become an end in itself. The emphasis should be placed on providing an educational experience for the 4-Her and not on the importance of winning an award.
The Targeting Life Skills Model guides all of our 4-H programming. For each event or program, we identify the life skills that we want to focus on. So, for example, a science based program will teach science, but it might also teach critical thinking, contributions to group effort, keeping records, and marketable skills.
Who can join 4-H?
Any youth ages 5-18 can join 4-H!
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Ages 5-7 are Cloverbuds
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Ages 8-10 are Juniors
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Ages 11-13 are Intermediates
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Ages 14-18 are Seniors
All ages are based on the child’s age as of September 1st of the current 4-H year. For example, if it is currently March and your child’s 13th birthday was February 1st, your child is considered 4-H age 12 because that was their age on September 1st (the start of the 4-H year). If you are unsure of your child’s 4-H age, you can check their 4-H Online profile or contact the Extension Office.
Steps to join 4-H:
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See our 4-H Club Directory, and choose a 4-H club that best suits your child’s interests and your family’s schedule. Contact the 4-H Club leader to verify the next meeting time and location. Ask the leaders any questions you may have about the club. We advise attending a couple of different 4-H Clubs before choosing one. Youth are allowed to be in more than one club, but we recommend participating in no more than 2-3.
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Enroll your child as a 4-H member in 4-H Online (v2.4honline.com), and pay the annual $25 membership fee for youth ages 8-18. You should enroll parents who plan to volunteer as well. Parents and Cloverbuds (ages 5-7) do not pay a membership fee.
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Get started on your 4-H project! Ask your club leader or explore this website for details.
4-H Pledge
I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living. For my club, my community, my country and my world.
4-H Mission
The Florida 4-H Youth Development program uses as learn-by-doing approach and caring adults to help youth grain the knowledge and life skills they need to be productive, responsible citizens. To achieve its mission, Florida 4-H accesses the expertise and resources of the Univeristy of Florida as well as a nationwide network of Cooperative Extension Service faculty and staff.