4-H in the United States is a youth organization administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), with the mission of "engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development."[1] The name represents four personal development areas of focus for the organization: head, heart, hands, and health. The organization has over 6.5 million members in the United States, from ages five to nineteen, in approximately 90,000 clubs.[2]
The goal of 4-H is to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills of youth through experiential learning programs and a positive youth development approach. Though typically thought of as an agriculturally focused organization as a result of its history, 4-H today focuses on citizenship, healthy living, science, engineering, and technology programs.
Today, 4-H and related programs exist in over eighty countries around the world; the organization and administration varies from country to country. Each of these programs operates independently, but cooperatively through international exchanges, global education programs, and communications.
The 4-H motto is "To make the best better", while its slogan is "Learn by doing" (sometimes written as "Learn to do by doing").
4-H African-American Home Demonstration Agents in
Florida in 1933.
The foundations of 4-H began around the start of the twentieth century, with the work of several people in different parts of the United States. The focal point of 4-H has been the idea of practical and hands-on learning, which came from the desire to make public school education more connected to rural life. Early programs tied both public and private resources together to benefit rural youth.
During this time, researchers at experiment stations of the land-grant universities and USDA saw that adults in the farming community did not readily accept new agricultural discoveries, but educators found that youth would experiment with these new ideas and then share their experiences and successes with the adults. So rural youth programs became a way to introduce new agriculture technology to the adults.
A. B. Graham started one of the youth programs in Clark County, Ohio, in 1902, which is considered the birth of the 4-H program in the United States. The first club was called "The Tomato Club" or the "Corn Growing Club". T.A. "Dad" Erickson of Douglas County, Minnesota, started local agricultural after-school clubs and fairs also in 1902. Jessie Field Shambaugh developed the clover pin with an H on each leaf in 1910, and, by 1912, they were called 4-H clubs.[3] The national 4-H organization was formed in 1914, when the United States Congress created the Cooperative Extension Service of the USDA by passage of the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, it included within the CES charter the work of various boys' and girls' clubs involved with agriculture, home economics and related subjects.[4]The Smith-Lever Act formalized the 4-H programs and clubs that began in the midwestern region of the United States. Although different activities were emphasized for boys and girls, 4-H was one of the first youth organizations to give equal attention to both genders (cf., erstwhile Boys Clubs of America).[5]By 1924, these clubs became organized as 4-H clubs, and the clover emblem was adopted.[6]
The first 4-H camp was held in Randolph County, West Virginia. Originally, these camps were for what was referred to as "Corn Clubs". Campers slept in corn fields, in tents, only to wake up and work almost the entirety of each day. Superintendent of schools G. C. Adams began a boys' corn club in Newton County, Georgia, in 1904. However, the city of Jacksboro, Texas, also stakes a claim to having the first forerunner to 4-H in 1910.
4-H membership hit an all-time high in 1974 as a result of its popular educational program about nutrition, Mulligan Stew, shown in schools and on television across the country.
Today, 4-H clubs and activities are no longer focused primarily on agricultural activities, instead emphasizing personal growth and preparation for lifelong learning. Participation is greatest during the elementary school years, with enrollment in programs and activities peaking in the 4th grade.
The 4-H pledge is:
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 original pledge was written by Otis E. Hall of Kansas in 1918. Some California 4-H clubs add either "As a true 4-H member" or "As a loyal 4-H member" at the beginning of the pledge. Minnesota and Maine 4-H clubs add "for my family" to the last line of the pledge. Originally, the pledge ended in "and my country". In 1973, "and my world" was added.
It is a common practice to involve hand motions to accompany these spoken words. While reciting the first line of the pledge, the speaker will point to their head with both of their hands. As the speaker recites the second line, they will place their right hand over their heart, much like during the Pledge of Allegiance. For the third line, the speaker will present their hands, palm side up, before them. For the fourth line, the speaker will motion to their body down their sides. And for the final line, the speaker will usually place their right hand out for club, left hand for community, bring them together for country, and then bring their hands upwards in a circle for world.
The official 4-H emblem is a green four-leaf clover with a white H on each leaf standing for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. White and green are the 4-H colors. The white symbolizes purity and the green represents growth.
The idea of using the four-leaf clover as an emblem for the 4-H program is credited to Oscar Herman Benson (1875–1951). When Wright County school superintendent Benson dropped by to visit a one-room schoolhouse near Clarion, Iowa, the students outside for recess presented him with a goodwill gift of seven just-picked four-leaf clovers. This simple gesture inspired Benson to select the four-leaf clover for the 4-H emblem. He awarded three-leaf and four-leaf clover pennants and pins for students' agricultural and domestic science exhibits at school fairs that Benson promoted.[7]
The 4-H name and emblem have U.S. federal protection under federal code 18 U.S.C. 707.[8] This federal protection makes it a mark unto and of itself with protection that supersedes the limited authorities of both a trademark and a copyright. The Secretary of Agriculture is given responsibility and stewardship for the 4-H name and emblem, at the direct request of the U.S. Congress. These protections place the 4-H emblem in a unique category of protected emblems, along with the U.S. Presidential Seal, Red Cross, Smokey Bear and the Olympic rings.[9]
4-H is a community of young people across America learning citizenship, leadership, and life skills. 4-H programs can be found in three expansive mission mandates: Science; Citizenship; and Healthy Living.
The 4-H program aims to educate youth in arts and sciences and to 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, shooting sports, history, art, and other pursuits.
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 the International Four-H Youth Exchange (IFYE), trips, and cultural events (see external links).
Although having embraced many new fields of endeavor over the years, 4-H retains a strong connection to its roots in agriculture and the associated values of thrift, invention, education, compassion, conservation, encouragement, service, and general happiness and well-being.[citation needed]
Through the program's tie to land-grant institutions of higher education, 4-H academic staff are responsible for advancing the field of youth development.[1] Professional academic staff are committed to innovation, the creation of new knowledge, and the dissemination of new forms of program practice and research on topics like University of California's study of thriving in young people. Youth development research is undertaken in a variety of forms including program evaluation, applied research, and introduction of new programs.
Volunteering has deep roots in American society. Over half of the American people will volunteer in some capacity during a year's time. It is estimated that 44% of adults (over 83.9 million people) will volunteer within a year. This volunteerism is valued at over $239 billion per year. These volunteers come from all different age groups, educational levels, backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses.[10]
Volunteer leaders play a major role in 4-H programs and are the heart and soul of 4-H. They perform a variety of roles, functions and tasks to coordinate the 4-H program at the county level and come from all walks of life, bringing varied and rich experiences to the 4-H program. With over 540,000 volunteers nationally, these leaders play an essential role in the delivery of 4-H programs and provide learning opportunities to promote positive youth development. Every year, volunteer leaders work to carry out 4-H youth development programs, project groups, camps, conferences, animal shows and many more 4-H related activities and events. 4-H volunteer leaders help youth to achieve greater self-confidence and self-responsibility, learn new skills and build relationships with others that will last a lifetime.[11]
Volunteers serve in many diverse roles. Some are project leaders who teach youth skills and knowledge in an area of interest. Others are unit or community club leaders who organize clubs meetings and other programs. Resource leaders are available to provide information and expertise. 4-H volunteers work under the direction of professional staff to plan and conduct activities and events, develop and maintain educational programs, and secure resources in support of the program.
4-H Afterschool helps 4-H and other youth-serving organizations create and improve programs for students in communities across the U.S. 4-H Afterschool is an Extension-enhanced program that:
- Offers youth a safe, healthy, caring and enriching environment.
- Engages youth in long-term, structured learning in partnership with adults.
- Addresses the interests of youth and their physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs.
4-H Afterschool Programs utilize experimental and cooperative learning activities and provide interaction with competent adults. Results of retrospective pre/post-surveys indicate that children enrolled in the program showed life skill gain over time, and that gains on specific life skills differed as a function of age, gender, and ethnicity.
The life skills gained through 4-H Afterschool give children the tools they need for perceiving and responding to diverse life situations and achieving their personal goals. Participation in these quality programs which use experiential and cooperative learning have all been found to contribute to children's social development and academic success.[12]
Every U.S. state runs its own independent camping program. 4-H camping programs in most states are run through land-grant institutions. Washington State University runs the Washington program, as Pennsylvania State University runs Pennsylvania's. The Georgia 4-H camping program boasts the largest youth center in the world, known as Rock Eagle.
The first 4-H camp was at Camp Good Luck in Randolph County, West Virginia. The first state 4-H Camp was held at Jackson's Mill outside of Weston in Lewis County, West Virginia. Jackson's Mill is the boyhood home of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson.
For many years, Native American imagery was a fundamental part of the summer camping programs of several states. By 2002, Virginia, Georgia, and West Virginia were among the last states continuing the use of Native American imagery. Following a complaint to the USDA, the Virginia Extension Service removed all traditions related to Native Americans, including the decades-long practice of dividing campers into tribes, either Mattaponi, Monacan, Pamunkey, or Cherokee (all tribes native to Virginia).[13]
Georgia 4-H continues Native American imagery at its largest 4-H center, Rock Eagle. The camp is divided into three tribes: Shawnee, Muskogee, and Cherokee, meeting at Tribal Council.
The West Virginia University Extension Service also decided in 2002 to limit the use of any Native American imagery, but later restored what it believed to be respectful practices, such as dividing campers into Cherokee, Delaware, Mingo, or Seneca tribes.[14]
Many colleges and universities have collegiate 4-H clubs. Usually members are students who are 4-H alumni and want to continue a connection to 4-H, but any interested students are welcome. Clubs provide service and support to their local and state 4-H programs, such as serving as judges and conducting training workshops. They are also a service and social group for campus students. The very first collegiate 4-H club started in 1916 on the Oklahoma State University - Stillwater campus.
Some states offer programs for youth in grades K-3 called Cloverbuds, Cloverkids, 4H Adventurers, Primary Members, or Mini 4-H. Most states prohibit this age group from competition due to research in child development demonstrating that competition is unhealthy for youth ages five to eight.[15]
One out of every seven adults in the U.S. is a former 4-H member. 4-H has influenced people’s lives in many ways. Former 4-H members have greatly been impacted by their experiences in 4-H and use what they learned throughout their daily lives. Many 4-H alumni believe that 4-H is a superior organization when compared to other youth organizations. Participation in 4-H events and activities, the value of projects completed and the challenges and responsibilities experienced in 4-H have contributed to the personal and leadership development of 4-H alumni. A majority of alumni feel that 4-H experiences have also significantly contributed to their success in the workforce and that the knowledge and skills gained through 4-H continue to benefit them in their adult lives.[16]
Many top entertainers, athletes, business individuals and educators got their first start in 4-H. Some of these well known 4-H alumni include: Jimmy Carter, David Letterman, Julia Roberts, Faith Hill, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Johnny Cash, Reggie White, Dolly Parton, Al Gore, Orville Redenbacker, Nancy Grace, Reba McIntyre, Arching Manning, Luke Bryan, Walter Mondale, Trish Yearwood, Jennifer Nettle and Roy Rogers.
Finding its roots in the early 4-H movement in West Virginia, the 4-H All-Star program strives to recognize and challenge 4-H members and volunteers. State 4-H Club Leader William H. "Teepi" Kendrick sought to develop youth to "be yourself at your best" and to "make the best better" through a fourfold personal development pattern involving the head, hands, heart, and, at that time, hustle. It was with this philosophy, in collaboration with others, that the 4-H emblem was born. In an attempt to harbor further individual growth, Kendrick recognized excellence with pins bearing one, two, three, and four H's. Recognition for outstanding participation was rewarded from 1917 to 1921 with trips to a Prize Winner's Course at West Virginia University. Members who demonstrated outstanding qualities at these courses were awarded five-pointed red pins with five H's, with this additional H to symbolize honor. The recipients of these pins were referred to by Kendrick as "All Stars". It was following the pin consecration ceremony in 1919 that the official West Virginia 4-H All Stars organization was chartered, becoming the Alpha Chapter of the nationwide 4-H honorary.[17]
Many states have All Star programs, although All Star programs vary from state to state. Selection as a 4-H All Star is a recognition of achievement. In California, for example, it is the highest achievement award at the county level and is a position awarded annually.[18] Similarly, the capstone award in Texas 4-H is the Gold Star Award, which is given to Seniors who have shown outstanding leadership and proficiency in their project areas.[19]
In Virginia, on the other hand, All-Stars are not simply those who have achieved an All-Star award, but are those who have gained membership into the Virginia All-Stars organization. Upon reaching the age of 15, 4-H members are eligible to apply for membership into the All-Stars organization, which promotes the continuation of 4-H principles.[20]
Many conferences are held at various levels of the 4-H program for youth and adults. The National 4-H Conference, held at National 4-H Youth Conference Center is the USDA Secretary's premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program.
The National 4-H Congress is an annual educational conference that brings together 4-H delegates between the ages of 14 and 19 from across America to share cultural experiences and discuss important issues facing youth. This five-day event is typically held during the weekend of Thanksgiving and has been hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1998. Throughout the conference, 4-H delegates attend numerous workshops, participate in community service activities, and listen to speakers in an effort to develop compassion and increase social awareness.[21][22]
The following national conferences are held yearly, and are focused on specific activities inside of 4-H:
- National 4-H Dairy Conference[23]
- Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup[24]
- Western National 4-H Horse Roundup[25]
- National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational Match [26]
Other conferences are held by regional and state entities for youth, for volunteer development, or for professional development for staff.
- ^ a b "The California 4-H Youth Development Program - Directions for the Decade Ahead". Winter 2003. http://www.ca4h.org/files/1982.pdf. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ National 4-H Council, National 4-H Headquarters, and e-mail dated December 3, 2007 from Suzanne Le Menestrel, National Program Leader, Youth Development Research, National 4-H Headquarters
- ^ Longden, Tom. Famous Iowans: Jessie Field Shambaugh. Des Moines Register
- ^ "Compilation of early correspondence and publications related to Boys' and Girls' Club Work produced by the United States Department of Agriculture". National Agricultural Library Digital Repository. Archived from the original on 14 June 2010. http://naldr.nal.usda.gov/NALWeb/Agricola_Link.asp?Accession=CAT30984128. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ Journal of Research in Childhood Education. "Cooperative and Competitive Orientations in 4-H and Non-4-H Children". http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=EJ726429&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=EJ726429. Retrieved 03-28-2012.
- ^ "4-H Detailed History". College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona. http://cals.arizona.edu/aes/mac/ag-ventures/4-H_detailed_history.htm. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ "Elsie Carper Collection on Extension Service, Home Economics, and 4-H". National Agricultural Library. http://riley.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=8&tax_level=4&tax_subject=158&topic_id=1982&level3_id=6419&level4_id=10863&level5_id=0&placement_default=0&test#. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ "U.S. House of Representatives, 18 USC Sec. 707, 4-H club emblem fraudulently used". Office of the Law Revision Counsel. http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe?getdoc+uscview+t17t20+466+0++. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ "Using the 4-H Name and Emblem". Archived from the original on 28 May 2010. http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/library/4-Hguidelines-v4-26-04.pdf. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ The Journal of Extension (JOE). "Volunteer Management Needs Assessment of the Tennessee 4-H Program". The Journal of Extension. http://www.joe.org/joe/2012february/rb2.php. Retrieved 03-28-2012.
- ^ The Journal of Extension (JOE). "Relationships Between 4-H Volunteer Leader Competencies and Skills Youth Learn in 4-H Programs". The Journal of Extension. http://www.joe.org/joe/2011august/rb2.php. Retrieved 03-28-2012.
- ^ Child Study Journal. "Building Life Skills through Afterschool Participation in Experimental and Cooperative Learning". http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/13055413/building-life-skills-through-afterschool-participation-experimental-cooperative-learning. Retrieved 03-28-2012.
- ^ "Virginia 4-H yields; Officials drop terms offensive to some Indians" by Jon Ward, The Washington Times, June 28, 2002[dead link]
- ^ "4-H says camps will keep Indian traditions" by Jon Ward, The Washington Times, December 17, 2002[dead link]
- ^ The Journal of Extension (JOE). ""Programming Parameters for 5-to-8-Year-Old Children in 4-H"". The Journal of Extension. http://www.joe.org/joe/1997august/a2.html. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ The Journal of Extension (JOE). "4-H Experiences Contributing to Leadership and Personal Development of 4-H Alumni". The Journal of Extension. http://www.joe.org/joe/2005december/rb2.php. Retrieved 03-28-2012.
- ^ "West Virginia 4-H All Star History". West Virginia 4-H All Star Website. http://www.wv4hallstars.org/History.html. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ "4-H All Star California". University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. http://ca4h.org/leadership/allstar/index.asp. Retrieved 2010-06-07. [dead link]
- ^ "Texas Gold Star Award Application". Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. http://web.archive.org/web/20110718192818/http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/4h/4Hpdf/07%20Gold%20Star%20Information%20Packet.pdf. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ Virginia 4-H "All-Star Brochure" by the Virginia Cooperative Extension.[dead link]
- ^ "4-H National Headquarters - 4-H Conference and Congress". National4-hheadquarters.gov. 2009-07-22. Archived from the original on 7 June 2010. http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/comm/4h_confs.htm. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ "About National 4-H Congress". National 4-H Congress. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. http://web.archive.org/web/20110714155239/http://www.national4-hcongress.com/about/. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ "National 4-H Dairy Conference". Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development. http://4h.uwex.edu/events/dairyconf/. Retrieved 2012-03-01.
- ^ "Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup". Eastern National 4-H Roundup. http://www.4hroundup.com/. Retrieved 2012-03-01.
- ^ "Western National 4-H Horse Roundup". Western National 4-H Roundup. http://www.westernnationalroundup.org/. Retrieved 2012-03-01.
- ^ "National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational Match Results". 4-H Shooting Sports. http://www.4-hshootingsports.org/national_match.php/. Retrieved 2012-03-01.
