4-H

4-H is a youth organization administered by the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative Extension System with the mission of "empowering youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults". 4-H now serves over 9 million members from ages 8 to 19 in almost 100,000 clubs.

The 4-H program

The program aims to educate youth in arts and sciences, and encourage fellowship and service opportunities. With continued urban sprawl, 4-H continues to develop new projects for its members to study beyond agriculture and animal husbandry, including photography, conservation, cooking, public speaking, history, art, and other pursuits.

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Though it is a common belief that 4-H is centered around agriculture and animals, it is not. Showmanship is a very large part of the foundation. However, 4-H is a community of young people across America learning citizenship, leadership, and life skills.

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The organization is often associated with summer camps, county fairs and state fairs. 4-H has spread out across the world, and regularly awards and sponsors IFYE international youth exchanges, trips, and cultural events (see external links).

Related Topics:
Summer camp - County fair - State fair - IFYE

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While having embraced many new fields of endeavor over the years, 4-H retains a strong connection to its roots in agriculture and associated values of thrift, invention, education, compassion, conservation, encouragement, service, and general happiness and well-being.

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