Mercer County 4-H

What is 4-H?

4-H is a youth development program of Penn State Cooperative Extension. It fosters citizenship and leadership as well as growth through a a variety of learning experiences. As a 4-H member, your child will participate in a variety of learning experiences. 4-Her's "learn by doing" through involvement in projects. 4-H members make new friends and learn to work and play with other young people and adults. They develop self-confidence by speaking before groups and receiving recognition for their achievements.

4-H serves youth, families, and the community

In 4-H, kids and adults spend time together, learning new skills, developing hidden talents, making new friends and having fun. The goal of 4-H is to help kids develop as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens in their communities. 4-H is a "learn-by-doing" program for kids...and adults.

Ways to Get Involved

It only takes five youth and one adult to start a club. There are many ways of participating in 4-H.

4-H Project Groups provide the main source of activity for the youth. 4-H members "learn by doing" an activity which interest them, such as foods, computers, rabbits, livestock, photography, clothing and dairy.

4-H Nutrition Groups are often organized in schools, youth agencies and other groups in the community to teach young people the basics of eating right.

Community Clubs are 4-H clubs where the members carry a wide variety of projects.

4-H Ambassadors are teens from different local 4-H clubs who work together on 4-H promotion projects.

What is a 4-H group or club?

Boys and girls ages 8 to 19 meet to plan and direct their own programs under the leadership of an older teenager or adult. They may belong to and organized club or special interest group, participate in a school enrichment program, or study alone with a parent other adult. They may belong to and meet on a formal basis with elected officers and hold regular meetings or meet informally to work on their projects.

What is a 4-H project?

Projects are tools used in teaching 4-H members responsibility, developing appreciation, creation initiative, and learning the process of decision making. Working on a 4-H project enables a 4-H'er to learn about a variety of subjects or develop a skill. A Pennsylvania member may choose from over 150 projects, including gardening, sewing, pet care, rocketry, careers, wildlife, livestock, horses, food and nutrition, child care.

Who can participate in 4-H?

Now that your child is a 4-H member, the whole family can participate. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, brothers, sisters,--everyone in the family can be a part of the 4-H experience, together! Today, many families become fragmented because of jobs and individual interestes. 4-H offers many opportunities for families to do things together. Picnics, fairs, trips, camps, shows, and special club and county-wide events are designed for family participation. You and your family are invited to become a 4-H family.

4-H Provides Leadership and Training

Adult Volunteer Leaders are the backbone of the 4-H program. They play a crucial role by helping members in project groups. Adults are knowledgeable in the project area in which they are working and also receive assistance from Penn State Cooperative Extension. Adult leaders are recognized at an annual Leaders' Banquet.

Teen Leaders are older members of the 4-H that are knowledgeable about earlier 4-H projects that they have taken and can help the younger members complete these projects. Teen leaders are vital to the leaders of the individual clubs.

Leadership Schools and Updates are some of the activities designed to teach officers, members and adults about running a more organized and effective meeting. There are peers and games so that members of different clubs of the county can get acquainted.

Opportunities in 4-H

4-H Summer Camp for Juniors is held in June at Camp Custalogatown. Intermediate and Senior Camps are held in July at All Saints Camp, near Emlenton. Activities can include hiking, canoeing, and archery. It is run by teen counselors with adult supervision.

Project Review, Roundups and the County Fair wind-up the 4-H project year and are held in August. 4-H members spend hours preparing their projects, whether animals, family living or nature exhibits for the project review.

Competitive Learning Activities make it possible for the 4-H'er to learn in the atmosphere of friendly competition. Competitive activities include county teams in horse, livestock, dairy, and vegetable judging, horse shows, and fashion revue, just to name a few. Presentation night is a chance for the 4-H'er to compete in public speaking or demonstrating something they know.

Interstate and International Exchange Programs provide cultural and personal enrichment programs for 4-H teens.

Leadership and Citizenship Activities are chances for 4-H'ers to broaden their horizons. Through 4-H Capital Days the 4-H'ers can meet their legislators in Harrisburg. Citizenship Washington Focus gives the 4-H'er the chance to visit our nation's capital. There are also many county and NWRegional events that build leadership and responsibility.

Local 4-H Clubs usually have their own picnics, field trips and banquets.

Join the Fun, Join 4-H!

In 2003 a 4-H educational materials fee of $10.00 was implemented for all 4-H members throughout Pennsylvania. The fee covers the cost of project materials. Some individual clubs may charge dues or hold fund raisers to cover the cots of activities the clubs do, or for things they may want to buy.

4-H has a monthly newsletter which goes to all members, leaders, parents and interested persons.

4-H is fun...for members, for leaders and for the whole family.

4-H is...Head, Heart, Hands and Health.