Frequently Asked Questions About 4H

What is 4H?

4H is a voluntary, informal education program for young people ages 5-18. 4H Cloverbuds is a program for children who are 5-7 years old.  Young people like 4H because it provides a chance to learn new things, develop new skills, travel to new places, experience new situations, make new friends and – most importantly – have lots of fun!

Isn't 4H just for farm kids?

No! 4H is for all young people, regardless of where they live, what their backgrounds are, or what interests them. Today in Florida many 4H members are from urban areas and they participate in projects to learn many different life skills.

What do the H's stand for?

The four H's stand for Head, Heart, Hands and Health. 4H members 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.

What is a club?

A club is a group of 4H members. The size of the club depends on the age of the members, the places they have to meet, and the leadership available. The ideal club is big enough to have fun together, but small enough for everyone to feel part of the group. Most clubs meet once or twice a month all year long, depending on what the group wants to do. The 4H year runs from September 1 to August 31. Sometimes members may have to be enrolled in a project by a certain time to be eligible for a certain activity, such as the 4H fair.

What are the 4H emblem, motto, and slogan?

The 4H emblem is a green four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each clover leaf. Green and white are the 4H colors. "The 4H motto is To Make the Best Better. The 4H slogan is Learn By Doing."

Who sponsors 4H?

The Florida 4H program is conducted by University of Florida Extension in cooperation with the 67 county governments in Florida. County and state programs are directed by Extension staff who train and support volunteers who work with 4H members. An Extension Council comprised of local residents serves in an advisory capacity to the Extension staff to coordinate, organize, and plan programming in the unit.

How is 4H funded?

University of Florida Extension receives funding for 4H from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the State of Florida and local County Commissioners. A variety of private donors also fund Extension.

What does it cost to be a member?

4H has no membership registration fee or required uniform. There may be minimal costs for project manuals or some 4H activities or events. If a club wants money for activities, it usually charges dues or has fundraising activities.

How do I join?

Call the Broward County Extension Office at 954-370-3725 or contact a local 4H club to see if there is room in a club near you. If not, five interested young people, with an adult or two to help them, may start a new club.

When and where do 4H clubs meet?

That depends on the group. Many community clubs meet for an hour or two after school, in the evening, or on Saturday. School clubs may meet for an hour or two during the school day. The most important thing is to have a regular time to get together. A 4H club may be organized on a community or neighborhood basis and meet at local facilities or members' homes. Clubs can also be organized within a school using the school's facilities, time, and staff. Any place large enough and convenient for the club members is a good choice.

What do 4H clubs do at meetings?

4H clubs usually participate in four kinds of activities during a meeting: business, special interest programs, project work, and recreation or social activities. Clubs may have a little business to conduct, may work on their projects for a while, and then play a game or two. Sometimes the whole meeting is devoted to one topic.

What kind of projects do 4H members work on?

4H projects are challenging, but practical, planned courses of study with learning experiences centered around a specific subject. Members usually work on a project (or subject area) for a year. Hands-on, learn-by-doing involvement is the most important aspect of a project. Making, growing, caring for, observing, and participating are all involved in 4H projects. Some projects, like breads or visual arts, are more fun done as a group. Others, like making a dress or growing a garden, will be done individually. Some clubs have several project leaders and do specific project work at club meetings. Some rely on parents and others to help members individually.

What does a 4H project cost?

Project costs vary. Members are responsible for the cost of supplies for projects. Some projects might use supplies from around the house while others might invest hundreds of dollars on their project. The cost of the project should be realistic for all club members.

Are 4H members expected to do their own project work?

Yes, with help. Members are expected to select at least one project and complete one or more learning experiences related to the project during the year. 4H is a learn-by-doing program. Leaders, junior leaders, and parents may tell or show members how, but members are expected to learn to do things themselves.

What is an exhibit?

An exhibit is an object or display designed to show something that the members have accomplished. Ideally it motivates members to learn and to have fun in a 4H project. An exhibit is not a measure of all the learning that takes place in a project. Self-recognition and self-satisfaction for having completed a project are important rewards. A ribbon is only one measure of success.

What opportunities are there for 4H volunteers?

The strength of the 4H program is that youth and adults work together on projects that interest them. Adult and teenage volunteers are needed in a variety of roles:

General Organizational Leaders – guide the overall organization of the club, help it function smoother, and maintain communication between the member families, the club and the Extension office. Community club leaders help the members run a monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly business meeting and coordinate project and activity leaders for club educational events.General Organizational Leaders attend monthly meetings at the 4H office and receive mailings about upcoming county, state, and national events.These leaders are always in high demand.

Project Leaders – work with members enrolled in a specific project or project area, assisting them in planning and carrying out experiences that will help them reach their learning goals in the project. Project leaders meet with a youth or a group to lead hands-on educational workshops or field learning experiences; for example, teaching about cooking by baking bread, or teaching about aerospace by making a rocket.Any adult can be recruited to provide learning events for members, clubs, or the county.The same volunteer may serve as both a Project Leader and as an Organizational Leader, if they have the time and interest.

Activity Leaders – work with members in planning and carrying out specific activities for the club as a whole. Activity leaders will help with an activity or learning event, usually at the club level.They may provide transportation or offer a place for an event to occur.

Resource Leaders - help on the county level with large events and countywide needs.These volunteers can serve on the Broward County 4H Foundation (to raise funds), the Broward County 4H Advisory Committee (to help with outreach), or as judges for awards interviews, Broward County Fair exhibits, talent shows, fashion revues and public speaking contests.

Teenagers can volunteer to help with event registration or other projects on a county level. Most teens are encouraged to join a 4H community club as a member to earn their community service hours. Aside from educational activities, 4H'ers also perform community service, including coastal clean-ups, nursing home visits, and a literacy project with homeless youth and adults.

Volunteer leaders are the backbone of the 4H program. Volunteers go through a youth protection application and screening process before they are enrolled as leaders. Additionally, volunteers receive training in skills they will need to become successful 4H volunteers. All interested volunteers should register with the Broward County 4H Office at 954-370-3725.

How many leaders should a 4H club have?

That depends on the size of the club and the age of the members. At least two leaders are recommended. The average club has 3 to 5 leaders.

Where would one learn how to be a 4H leader?

The Broward County Extension Education office is the first point of contact, where staff is available to support volunteers. To volunteer, call 954-370-3725. After completing the screening process, volunteers are enrolled and placed on the 4H leaders' mailing list. Orientation is provided. Leaders are invited to special training meetings and provided with the materials needed to conduct a 4H club. An experienced leader nearby may also help with questions.

What's expected of parents?

Children need parental encouragement to get them started in 4H and to keep them involved in the program in later years. Parents can help by:

Sharing - provide encouragement and take interest in 4H projects and activities. Listen, look, and offer suggestions, but avoid the temptation to take over and do things. Children learn by their mistakes as well as successes.

Preparing - assist by helping children understand the value of doing projects, having duties in the club, and following through on responsibilities as expected by others.

Being there - Children gain more from 4H by attending meetings regularly and getting involved in 4H activities. Parents are welcome at meetings and are encouraged to stay and observe. Lend a hand whenever possible. However, remember that 4H clubs are for kids.

Caring - arrange to participate whenever possible. Parents' presence shows the child that what he or she is doing is very important.

For more information, call 954-370-3725, ext. 5885 or ext. 5878 or e-mail 4-H@broward.org.