The Purpose
The purpose of the 4-H Youth Development Program (4-H YDP) is to help young people discover and develop their potential. 4-H encourages young people to set their own goals and make their own plans and decisions, helping boys and girls mature and build self-confidence. 4-H members learn to understand and cooperate with others. These two basic skills help youth achieve a happy, useful life.
About 4-H
4-H is an organization for youth, ages 5-19, that promotes hands-on learning and is based on parent and volunteer participation. 4-H welcomes all youth (and adult volunteers) from all backgrounds. The United States 4-H program is run through county Cooperative Extension offices, the University of California, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and a variety of volunteer councils and foundations at the county, state, and national levels.
The Goals of 4-H
- Develop citizenship, leadership and life skills
- Develop initiative and assume responsibility
- Develop the ability to live and work cooperatively
- Acquire knowledge and skills and explore careers
- Achieve satisfaction from work and accomplishments
- Make healthy choice and plan satisfying lives
- Develop positive self images
Responsibilities of 4-H Club Members
4-H members work as individuals and as a team. They:
- Create and complete a plan for project work
- Keep a record of project work
- Attend 4-H meetings
- Participate in local and county 4-H activities and events
- Learn the 4-H pledge and motto
- Exhibit project work
- Participate in committee assignments
- Participate in community service activities
- Abide by the 4-H Code of Conduct
4-H Motto
To make the best better
4-H Pledge
As a True 4-H Member:
I pledge My head to clear thinking
My heart to greater loyalty
My hands to larger service
My health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world
The History of 4-H
In 1902, A. B. Graham, an Ohio school superintendent, organized a boys' and girls' club with a home project based on corn. This became the first "4-H" club.
The first 4-H emblem was a three-leaf clover introduced by O. H. Benson some time between 1907 and 1908. The clover was used on placards, posters, badges, and canning labels. In 1908, pins with the clover emblem were introduced. The H's signified Head, Heart, and Hands.
A four-leaf clover design with H's appeared around 1908. In 1911, Benson cited the need for four H's rather than three, suggesting that they stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Hustle. The present 4-H design was adopted when O.B. Martin, who was directing club work in the South, suggested that the 4-H's stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
Otis Hall, State 4-H leader in Kansas, wrote the original 4-H pledge. When the Executive Committee of the Land-Grant College Association requested R. A. Pearson, president of Iowa State College, and Dr. A. C. True of the Federal extension Service to write a pledge for 4-H, they submitted a pledge substantially written by Hall.
With the passage of the Smith-Lever Act by Congress in 1914, all Cooperative Extension work, including boys' and girls' clubs, became an official function of the United States Department of Agriculture. The act was amended and then consolidated in 1953. Discussion on the floors of both houses of Congress on May 21, 1953 concerning the intent clearly established that Cooperative Extension was to continue conducted 4-H work. The Smith-Lever Act and subsequent amendments state that "Cooperative Agricultural Extension work shall consist of the giving of instruction and practical demonstrations in agriculture and home economics and subjects relating thereto to persons not attending or resident in said colleges in the several communities..."
