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. Dodge County 4-H has a focus in STEM programs - science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM fields makes connections to all backgrounds, urban and rural, and prepare youth for success in the modern economy.
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 if they are 5 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 enrollment opening and really kicks into gear in February with Nebraska 4-H Awareness month. Dodge County 4-H Awareness month is in April. Contests, workshops, shows, fairs, and other activities occur from February through July. Youth work all year long to complete projects to enter in the Dodge County Fair in August. The year wraps up with the Nebraska State Fair in September and the Dodge County 4-H Achievement Celebration in November.
Can we join 4-H at any time during the year?
All youth must be enrolled in 4honline by June 15 to be eligible to exhibit in the Dodge County Fair, Fremont 4-H Expo or any other competitive 4-H events. Members can join 4-H clubs at any time at the discretion of club leaders, but participation will be limited if it is past the June 15 deadline.
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 everyones 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: Junior (8-11), Intermediate (12-14) and Senior (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 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 Kids are not allowed to compete. Clover Kids do participate in many contests and receive participation ribbons. Their work isn't judged or compared to others.
What does it cost to join a 4-H club?
There is a $10.00 county membership fee that is paid at the time of enrollment. Some clubs will assess dues 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 Office. Cost varies, however, the average is approximately $5.00 - $10.00 per manual. If you are planning to exhibit livestock at the county fair there is an additional fee for beef or swine ear tags ($3.00 each). The Nebraska State Fair has a separate set of fees that include nominations, entries, and DNA samples for some species. Depending on your 4-H project, the cost will vary according to your supply needs. Grants and scholarships are available for club activities, member projects, and special event participation.
How do I stay informed about 4-H opportunities?
The Dodge County 4-H Weekly Blast and webpage will give you all the details about upcoming programs.