4-H Frequently Asked Questions
What do the four –œH–™s– stand for on the 4-H clover emblem?
The –œH–™s– stand for: head, heart, hands, and health. Club members pledge their Head, Heart, Hands, and Health (the four H–™s) as they recite the 4-H pledge at meetings.
 

What is the 4-H pledge?
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.

What is the 4-H motto?
–œTo Make the Best Better–
 

What are the 4-H colors?
The 4-H colors are green and white.
 

How did 4-H begin?
4-H began in the early 1900–™s as Corn Clubs for boys and Canning Clubs for girls. Although the program has changed a lot through the years, it has always been a program designed to help children become productive members of their communities. The national 4-H program celebrated its 100th birthday in 2002.
 

Do I have to live on a farm to join 4-H?
No, although 4-H began as a program for rural children, today 4-H is available for ALL CHILDREN whether they live on a farm, or in the city.
 

Do boys and girls attend different clubs?
No, all 4-H clubs are open to both boys and girls.
 

How old do you have to be to join a 4-H club?
Children can join a 4-H club as soon as they are five by January 1of the current year as a Clover Kid, and as a regular 4-H member when they turn 8 by January 1 of the current year and they can stay involved until their final year of eligibility–”the year they are 18 on January 1. In addition, many colleges offer collegiate 4-H clubs, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln!
 

What is the 4-H year timeline?
The 4-H year begins in October with the National 4-H Week and continues through the following September. The Nebraska 4-H Month kicks-off with a Waffleman feed the beginning of February. Youth work all year long to complete projects to enter in the County Fair. Then, the year ends with a county wide 4-H Achievement Celebration in the fall.
 

Can we join 4-H at any time during the year?
Yes, each club will establish their own –œcut off– date for accepting new members for the year. However, all youth must be enrolled with the Nebraska Extension Seward County 4-H Office by March 1 to be eligible to exhibit in the Seward County Fair or any competitive 4-H events.
 

Are clubs organized by age divisions?
4-H clubs operate best when the members are in a similar age group, preferably within a couple of years of each other. However, some clubs operate with children from a wide variety of ages. It is a little more challenging to keep everyone–™s interest when there is a wide age span, but there are also the benefits of younger youth learning from the knowledge and example of older youth, and the leadership opportunities for older youth.
 

What are the age divisions for competitive events?
A child must be at least eight years old as of January 1 of the current program year to compete in any 4-H event. Most competition is held in the following age divisions: Juniors (8-11), Intermediate (12-14) and Seniors (15-18). However, age divisions do vary from program to program. Always carefully review the registration information for 4-H events.
 

What is a Clover Kid?
Children ages five to eight are known in 4-H as –œClover Kids–. These children are full 4-H members and can participate in a wide range of programs and activities, including the fair. However, because research has shown that competition at this age is detrimental, Clover kid members are not allowed to participate in competitive events. These Members do participate in many contest and receive participation ribbons. Their work just isn–™t "judged– and compared to other children–™s work.
 

What does it cost to join a 4-H club?
There is no fee to belong to Seward County 4-H. Some clubs will assess –œdues– for each member to cover the cost of the project supplies. Dues vary from club to club depending on the projects selected. Each 4-Her is also required to pay for their own 4-H manuals at the Nebraska Extension Officeor online with National 4-H Council. If you are planning to exhibit livestock there is an additional fee for ear tags ($1.00 a piece) and DNA samples ($6.00 a piece). Depending on your 4-H project, the cost will vary according to your supply needs.
 

How do I stay informed about 4-H opportunities?
Read the Seward County 4-H Actionline newletter, yours free. You will get on the mailing list for the newsletter upon submission of your enrollment form if you are a new member. It will give you all the details about upcoming programs.

 

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