What is 4-H age? The age of a 4-Her is determined by their age as of December 31 of the previous year. Their “4-H age” will determine what age group they will compete in at county fairs, state fairs & other 4-H events. To be a Clover Kid 4-H member, youth must be 4-H age of 5-7. A regular 4-H member must be 8 by December 31 of the previous year.
What do the four “H’s” stand for on the 4-H clover emblem? The “H’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? “To 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 December 31 of the previous year and they can stay involved until their final year of eligibility. The last year of eligibility is 4-H age of eighteen (18). 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 runs from October 1 to September 30 each year.
Can we join 4-H at any time during the year? Yes, youth may join 4-H at any time during the calendar year. Some clubs may have their own established “cut off” date for accepting new members for the year. All new 4-H youth must be enrolled with the Nebraska Extension Office by June 15 to be eligible to exhibit in the Adams County Fair or any competitive 4-H events. Re-enrollments for current members are encouraged by April 15.
Are clubs organized by age divisions? Many 4-H clubs operate with children from a wide variety of ages, and some clubs have members who are in a similar age group. There are benefits of younger youth learning from the knowledge and example of older youth, as well as 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 December 31 of the previous year to compete in any 4-H event. Most competitions are held in the following age divisions: Juniors (8-10), Intermediate (11-13) and Seniors (14-18). 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 seven are known in 4-H as “Clover 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 contests and receive participation ribbons. Their work is not “judged” and compared to other children’s work.
What does it cost to join a 4-H? There is a $10 fee to join 4-H for all members, including Clover Kids. 4-Hers must purchase their own project manuals. Manuals can be purchased at the Adams County Extension Office or online (call the Extension office for more information). The cost will vary according to supplies needed for your project.
How do I stay informed about 4-H opportunities?
- Read the Adams County Extension newsletter that is emailed to you or posted online. It will give you all the details about upcoming programs.
- Visit the Adams County 4-H website at: : https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/adams/
- Check out our Adams County 4-H social media:
- Adams County Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AdamsCo4H
- And use the Remind App at: https://www.remind.com/join/adamsco4h