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What Is 4-H?


"4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills." 4-H is a non-formal educational program and an organization for youth. It is open to everyone regardless of race, religion, color, gender, national origin, handicap or place of residence.


What is the purpose of 4-H?

The purpose of 4-H is to enable young people to acquire knowledge, develop life skills and form attitudes that enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.

What do young people learn in 4-H?

Members learn by doing: practical skills and life skills that help them become capable, self-reliant adults. 4-Hers learn practical skills about things that interest them such as cooking, raising animals, environment, computers, and leadership. Life skills young people learn are skills, knowledge, attitudes and aspirations like decision-making, managing resources, and communications - those skills needed to function in a democratic society.

What are the advantages of being in 4-H?

Young people in 4-H have an opportunity to:
* - develop as an individual
* - learn lifelong skills related to each project
* - make new friends through 4-H meetings, events, and activities
* - work with adult volunteer leaders
* - develop pride as they learn by doing
* - develop leadership skills and the ability to speak before a group
* - explore projects that can lead to future careers

Why do young people like 4-H?

Young people like 4-H because they have fun with friends at meetings, social activities, tours, camps and fairs. They learn to do interesting things, called projects, such as taking care of growing things like animals and plants, redecorating their rooms, fixing their bikes, taking pictures, practicing cooking, caring for the environment and much more. Some help others learn with 4-H educational programs. 4-H'ers learn about things that interest them while having fun and new experiences.

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