About 4-H
4-H is a non-profit organization
providing opportunities for youth to experience "hands-on" activities
in a variety of project areas. The goal of 4-H is to develop leadership,
self-reliance, sportsmanship, and other desirable traits of character. Each
member conducts one or more educational projects, participates in a club and
group activities, learns citizenship responsibilities and gains leadership
experiences. No single Cooperative Extension concept is more widely known or
recognized than 4-H, the youth development education program sponsored by
Virginia Cooperative Extension, an educational component of Virginia Tech and
Virginia State University with USDA and local governments cooperating.
Mission Statement
The mission of 4-H is to assist youth,
and the adults working with those youth, to gain additional knowledge, life
sills, and attitudes that will further their development as self-directing,
contributing, and productive members of society.
Age Requirement
Membership is open to all boys and
girls, 5 to 19 years of age (as
of September 30th of the current 4-H year).
The 4-H year runs from October 1st through September 30th. Membership is
voluntary and free of charge. Enrollment forms are available at the County
Extension Office. In some particular instances activities may be limited to
particular age ranges for safety. Youth aged 5-8 years may not work with large
animals and cannot participate in the 4-H Horse Program.
4-H Projects
Research-based projects range from
aerospace to wood science and include animal projects, foods and nutrition,
gardening, health, mechanical science, natural resources, public speaking, and
wildlife. Project workbooks are offered in different subjects and levels to
meet the needs and interests of individual members. All 4-H Horse
Project members of all disciplines must wear helmets
that are ASTM approved for equine activities when mounted.
Fairfax County Clubs and Groups
4-H clubs are organized
educational groups composed of five or more members, ages 9-19 and managed by
two or more organizational leaders. 4-H clubs have elected officers and develop
an annual program plan, hold monthly meetings including educational programs,
project work, presentations, field trips and community service. All
organizational programs are tailored to meet program goals and the mission of
4-H.
Community Club - Comprised of members that live in a specific area and
conduct a variety of projects.
Project Club - Members participate in the same project area. Project
clubs not only focus on their central project, but on Leadership,
Communication, Citizenship, and Fundraising.
Cloverbud Club - Small neighborhood clubs for youth ages 5-8 are led by one
or more adult leaders which meet monthly to work on short, fun-learning
activities. Youth aged 5-8 may not work with large animals and cannot
participate in the 4-H Horse Program.
4-H Independent Members - youth ages 9-19 may join 4-H as independent members,
selecting a 4-H project to complete, if a suitable club is not conveniently
available.
School Enrichment - The "4-H Beginning of Life" Embryology Project is
offered to 2nd - 4th grade school classrooms to supplement curricula.
Special Interest Workshops - Short-term projects are offered to interested youth in Veterinary
Science and Public Speaking.
CYFAR - Children, Youth & Families at Risk Project is a special
after school project offering homework help, workforce preparation, and
technology for youth and families at risk.
There are also after-school 4-H
groups in target communities and SACC (School-Age Child Care) centers.
Last Revised June 25, 2002
* Protected Under 18 U.S.C. 707
Virginia Cooperative
Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color,
religion, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, handicap, or political
affiliation. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
If you are a
person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other
accommodations to participate in Extension activities, please contact the local
Extension Office during regular business hours to discuss accommodations 14
days prior to the event.
All 4-H Horse Program members of all disciplines must wear helmets that are ASTM approved for equine activities when mounted.