4-H:

What is 4-H?
4-H is a voluntary, informal education program for boys and girls who are ages 8-18 as of September 1 of the current year. 4-H is open to everyone regardless of race, religion, color, gender, marital status, familial status, national origin, disability, or political belief. Additionally, 4-H Cloverbuds is a program for youth ages 5-7 by September 1 of the current year. (More info concerning Cloverbuds may be obtained at the Extension Office.)

Isn't 4-H just for farm kids?
NO! 4-H is for all youth, regardless of where they live. Today in Illinois most 4-H members are from towns & cities and they participate in projects addressing life skills and other important issues.

What does it cost to join 4-H?
4-H has no membership registration fee. Uniforms are not required. There may be minimal cost for project manuals or some 4-H activities or events.

Why do young people like 4-H?
4-H gives kids 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!

How do you join 4-H?
Contact the Schuyler County Extension Office at 217/322-3381 or contact a local 4-H leader to see if there is room in a club near you. If not, 5 interested young people, with an adult or two to help them, may start a new club.

Who funds 4-H?
University of Illinois Extension (UIE) receives funding from the United States Dept. of Ag (USDA), the state of Illinois, and local county boards. A variety of private donors also fund UIE. Unit offices are located in nearly every county in Illinois. 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.

Who conducts 4-H?
The Illinois 4-H program is conducted by the University of Illinois Extension (UIE) which is part of the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. County and state programs are directed by Extension staff who train and support volunteers who work with 4-H members.

4-H PARENTS:

What's expected of parents?
Children need parental encouragement to get them started in 4-H and to keep them involved in 4-H & to keep them involved in later years. Parents can help by: Sharing, Preparing, Being there, and Caring.

How do I learn more about 4-H once my child joins?
New Kids in the Clover is a series of newsletters that 4-H families receive the first year to help explain more about 4-H activities and programs throughout the year. In addition, ask questions of the club organizational leader, the Extension Unit Office or other parents and members.

What are 4-H leaders?
Volunteer leaders are the backbone of the 4-H program. They are adults that work voluntarily with a group of 4-H members. 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 4-H volunteers.

4-H Clubs:

What is a 4-H club?
A 4-H club is group of 5 or more young people ages 8-18, guided by an adult leader. Clubs meet for at least 6 sessions during the year and have a planned program. Members elect officers and each member takes at least one project. A club may explore a single subject or several subjects. 4-H members build leadership by electing officers and conducting their own business; work together on community service activities; meet new friends; and most of all – have LOTS of FUN!

How often do clubs meet?
Most clubs meet once a month all year long. This depends on the group and what they want to do. The 4-H year runs from September 1 – August 31. However, sometimes members may have to be enrolled in a certain project by a certain time to be eligible for a certain activity such as the 4-H Fair.

Do 4-H clubs charge dues?
4-H does not require dues or uniforms. If a club wants money for a special activity, they conduct a moneymaking activity or members may vote to have each member pay the costs of the special activity.

4-H Projects:

What are 4-H projects?
4-H projects are challenging, but practical planned courses of study with learning experiences centered around a specific subject. 4-H members will usually work on a project (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 -- all for these active learning processes are involved in 4-H projects. Over 175 projects are currently available in the Illinois 4-H program. The Illinois Clover lists projects available to members.

Are 4-H members expected to do their own project work?
Yes – with help. Members are expected to select at least one project and complete oneor more learning experiences related to the project during the year. 4-H is a "learn-by-doing" program. Leaders, junior leaders, and parents may tell or show a member how, but members are expected to learn by doing things themselves. However, a project can be an individual or by a group.

What is an exhibit?
An exhibit is an object or display designed to help young people feel they are capable and have accomplished something. Ideally it motivates them to learn and to have fun in a 4-H project. Self-recognition and self-satisfaction for having completed a project are important rewards. A ribbon is only one measure of success.