ABOUT 4-H
Is 4-H only about animals? No!
You do not need to own an animal to be in 4-H nor do you need to live on a farm. 4-H is a youth program with more activities than you can imagine. 4-H has rural, suburban and urban kids that not only take part in both small and large livestock projects but so many other projects are offered such as: leadership, gardening, nutrition, baking, cooking, food preservation, dog care and training, sewing, arts and crafts, woodworking, shooting sports, public speaking, marine biology, and zoology! Explore the different projects that are offered and find out what really interests you!
In Merced County youth ages 5-19 are eligible to participate as Mini and Regular 4-H members in clubs. 4-H members participate in events, contests, projects, exhibits, summer and winter camps, international programs, scholarships, and more.
Many teens become leaders that help the younger groups and new 4-H members. A positive attitude, the willingness to learn new projects, meet new people, and to participate in community service and most of all have fun and learn something by doing.
4-H Mission
The mission of 4-H is to help young people develop their potential. This is done by encouraging them to participate in practical real-life experiences. As a result of this involvement, they should be better able to lead satisfying lives as responsible, self directing, members of society.
The 4-H Clover
The 4-H Emblem is a four leaf clover that has an "H" on each leaf, representing Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
The clover is green to symbolize growth and youth, and the white color of the H's represents sincerity and honesty.
The clover was adopted in 1909. National 4-H has a policy about the proper use of the clover to help preserve its special character.
The 4-H Creed
- I believe in 4-H Club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a useful citizen.
- I believe in the training of my HEAD for the power it will give me to think, to plan, and to reason.
- I believe in the training of my HEART for the nobleness it will give me to be kind, sympathetic, and true.
- I believe in the training of my HANDS for the ability it will give me to helpful, skillful, and useful.
- I believe in the training of my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work efficiently.
- I believe in my country, my state, and my community and in my responsibility for their development.
In all these things I believe, and am willing to dedicate my efforts to their fulfillment.
Costs for 4-H
4-H members enroll annual usually between August-October.
The current enrollment fee is $70.00 per member for the 4-H year of participation. A required state enrollment fee includes accident insurance for participation in 4-H meetings, events and activities.
Other costs will depend on the types of projects and the amount of activities the members chooses to undertake in 4-H. These other costs can vary from club to club and project to project. Local 4-H Leaders can advise you at the beginning of the 4-H year as to expected costs for projects.