4-H PLEDGE

I pledge:

My Head to clearer thinking; My Heart to greater loyalty;

My Hands to greater service; My Health to greater living: For my club, my community, my country, and my world.

4-H EMBLEM

A green four-leaf clover with a white "H" in each leaf. The four H's stand for: Head, Heart, Hands, Health.

4-H IS FOR EVERYONE

4-H is an experiential, educational, development program of The Ohio State University Extension and is open to all youth ages 5-18 regardless of race, color, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran status.

The 4-H philosophy is to strengthen youth’s mental, physical, moral, and social development; therefore helping develop more desirable citizens and leaders. The development of boys and girls occurs through participation in projects, events, and various educational competitive activities.

The Cloverbud Program is for youth ages 5 and in Kindergarten to 8 and in the second grade, whereas the 4-H Program is for youth ages 8 and in the third grade to 18 as of January 1 of the current year. If you are interested in becoming involved in the 4-H Youth Development Program, either as a participant or as an adult volunteer, please contact the Hamilton County Office of The Ohio State University Extension at 513-946-8989.

WHAT DO 4-H PARTICIPANTS DO?

4-H youth participate in educational activities conducted in homes, community centers, schools, and churches throughout Hamilton County. They complete individual and group activities stressing the 4-H philosophy of Learning By Doing. They may learn about subjects ranging from aerospace science to wood working, from creative arts to livestock. In the course of their 4-H experience, participants gain not only technical skills and knowledge, but they develop life skills such as goal setting and planning, communication and organizational skills, and a strong sense of belonging to the community in which they live.

WHO LEADS 4-H ACTIVITIES?

After application to, and approval by The Ohio State University Extension, adult volunteer leaders provide guidance to boys and girls participating in 4-H educational activities. These volunteer leaders receive guidance from The Ohio State University Extension staff in order to make leading 4-H activities more enjoyable and worthwhile for 4-H participants. Extension Educators offer training to volunteers in how to organize a group or club, how to teach skills, how to get parents and families involved, how to encourage personal growth in participants, and many other areas.