4‑H Way
4‑H empowers young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. It’s a research-based experience that includes a mentor, a hands-on project, and a meaningful leadership opportunity.
4‑H Programming
Based on their interests and guided by adult mentors, youth develop their own pathway in 4‑H. They select from a broad menu of local 4‑H programs. There are hands-on, learn-by-doing, opportunities for everyone.
4‑H is a Community
4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4‑H in every county and parish in the country—through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4‑H camps.
National Reach, Local Programs
4‑H’s reach and depth is unmatched. Through our community of 100 public universities, 4‑H reaches kids in every corner of America – from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities. Our network of 500,000 volunteers and 3,500 4‑H professionals provides caring and supportive mentoring to all 6 million 4‑H’ers, helping them grow into true leaders today and in life.
What We Stand for and Believe
The 4-H Emblem
The official 4-H emblem is a clover with four leaves and an “H” on each leaf. The clover’s stem must point to the right as you look at the image. The 4-H Emblem is not a plain four-leaf clover. The 4-H Emblem should appear in specific colors and in its entirety.
The 4-H Colors
White symbolizes purity and high ideals
Green is nature’s most abundant color and is emblematic of springtime, life, youth, and growth.
4-H Motto
To Make the Best Better
4-H Slogan
“Learn by Doing”
The 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.
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, 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 be 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.
What is a 4-H Project?
A 4-H project is made up of three types of activities: Hands-on activities: making, producing, practicing, observing, testing, interviewing, caring for, etc. Organized activities: demonstrations, speeches, workshops, camps, county judging, project activities, exhibits, etc. Leadership/Citizenship activities: conducting, planning, teaching, assisting, informing, organizing, etc.
- How does a member select a project? When choosing a project, consider your interests, background, what is necessary to start your project, and what is available to help you complete it. Review this guide as a family, club, or group. A good rule of thumb is to select no more than two projects as a first-year member.
- Some good questions to ask yourself when choose a project are:
- What things do you like to do for fun?
- What would you like to learn how to do?
- How much time do you have to spend?
- Who can help you with your project?
- How many projects can you complete in a year?
- What hobbies do you have?
- Some good questions to ask yourself when choose a project are:
- Where does a member begin when planning a 4-H project? Once a member has selected a project, he/she should start by reading the section of the project book called the Member Project Guide, usually located near the front. The Member Project Guide offers step-by-step instructions for conducting the activities that make up the 4-H project.
- How much time can be spent on a project? It can be a matter of days, weeks, or even months, depending on the size and scope of the member’s plan. Some projects also can be repeated to accomplish additional project goals.
- Is it necessary to attend county-level judging to complete a project? Yes. Members should be sure to read over the requirements listed on their loose leaf sheet of paper that comes in the project book. Club projects are exempt from this requirement.
- How can a 4-H member qualify to compete at the Ohio State Fair? For non-animal and non-livestock events, qualifying for the state fair involves competing at the county level and being selected as state fair representative. In addition, if you are taking a project with age guidelines and are outside of the recommended age range, be sure to double-check county and state fair regulations about participating (ohio4h.org/ohiostatefair).
- Generally speaking, youth outside the recommended age range are not eligible for competition. For animal and livestock events, be sure to check state fair guidelines at ohio4h.org/animalsciences. Please note: Ohio State Fair eligibility, as indicated by a green ribbon ( ), is current at time of printing but is subject to change. Eligibility for the coming year is usually available in February at ohio4h.org/ohiostatefair.