Frequently asked questions
Commonly asked 4-H questions.
If you do not see an answer to your question, contact your
county
MU Extension office
who will be glad to help!
Section links for this page:
About 4-H
4-H clubs
Members
Leaders
Projects
Meetings
Parents
What is 4-H?
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership,
citizenship and life skills. 4-H is young people making new friends and
memories while preparing to be leaders of today and tomorrow.
4-H is a volunteer-led organization that reaches boys and girls
through small groups called clubs and through classrooms, in some cases.
4-H members choose from over 40 projects in which to participate during
the 4-H calendar year. Most projects use hands-on learning experiences
to teach subject matter and life-skills such as cooperation, leadership,
and decision-making — skills that can be applied over and over for a
lifetime.
What do the H's stand for?
Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
What is the 4-H emblem?
The emblem is a green four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each
clover leaf. The 4-H Name and Emblem are protected under federal statute
Title 18, U.S. Code 707. For regulations on its use, see
4-H
Name and Emblem Regulations.
Why do young people like 4-H?
They have fun with friends at meetings, social activities, tours, trips,
camps, and fairs. They learn to do interesting things such as take care
of animals, plants, redecorate their rooms, fix their bikes, take
pictures, practice cooking, and collecting rocks. And, they help others
learn more about their 4-H projects, provide leadership to younger
members, as well as serve others through community service activities.
What will I do in 4-H?
Want to race bicycles? Become a veterinarian? Take award-winning
photographs? 4-H members have the opportunity to learn more about
activities of their interest through projects. In addition, 4-H members
can participate in community service projects, attend county fairs,
camps, club parties, trips to other states and countries, and more!
Who can join 4-H?
4-H is for boys and girls who will reach their 8th birthday and will not
reach their 19th birthday by January 1 of the current year. 4-H is open
to everyone, regardless of race, religion, color, disability, gender, or
place of residence. Most Missouri county 4-H programs offer a pre-4-H
program called Clover Kids for youth 5-7 years old.
How do I join?
It’s easy. Call your
county
MU Extension office. 4-H faculty or staff will guide you to the 4-H
opportunities in your area.
Is 4-H only for boys and girls?
No, 4-H is also for families and communities.
4-H is definitely a family affair. 4-H encourages and rewards
participation by the entire family. Family members learn more about each
other through their involvement in 4-H and may even become better
families as they learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and talents
more.
Youth enroll as 4-H members. Other family members help out as group
leaders, project leaders, meeting helpers, transportation aides, you
name it! To be a recognized 4-H volunteer, you must successfully
complete a 4-H volunteer application and screening process.
An integral part of the popularity of 4-H is that it reaches into the
communities in which these families live. Many 4-H groups, for instance,
meet in churches, schools and community centers. As part of their 4-H
experience, young people are encouraged to develop a better
understanding of communities and to contribute to community development.
Who provides leadership in 4-H?
Local leadership is provided by 4-H youth specialists in the extension
county offices which is supported financially by county, state, and
federal tax dollars.
Can my parents or guardians be involved?
Parents and guardians can help as much as they would like. Whether it’s
making food for a meeting, driving members to activities or becoming a
project leader, there is always room for parents and guardians to become
involved. To be a recognized
4-H volunteer, you must successfully
complete a 4-H volunteer application and screening process and must
complete the one time Making the Best Better: Volunteer Orientation.
Who sponsors 4-H?
4-H in Missouri 4-H is sponsored by the
University of Missouri
Extension in partnership with
Lincoln University
Extension and state, federal and county government in each Missouri
county. Nationally, 4-H is part of the
Extension Service of
the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
Who names a club?
The members of the club do — with guidance from their leader and 4-H
youth specialist.
How do you get a 4-H group organized?
Have a meeting with the young people who are interested and the
adults who are willing to help. Publicize it through the school or any
place where young people and their parents can be reached. Or join a
4-H group that is already organized – as your 4-H youth specialist.
Does it cost to join 4-H?
There is a small fee to join 4-H, check with your
county MU
Extension center
for details. In addition, some projects may require
a small investment to get started, and there may be charges for
materials or special trips. 4-H projects books and guides can be
purchased.
What do you do at the first meeting?
Get acquainted and have fun with a group mixer and/or some refreshments.
Show and talk about some projects the group might like. (Give this some
thought in advance and invite the 4-H youth specialist or an experienced
4-H leader.) Discuss when, where, and how often the group will meet.
What about officers?
4-H clubs elect officers and whatever committees they need to conduct
their business.
Y783, So You Are a 4-H Officer Series (PDF) is available for presidents,
vice-presidents, secretaries, treasurers, news reporters, recreation
leaders, historians, song and game leaders. The club may have any number
of officers, depending on its needs. It is a good idea to wait until the
second or third meeting to elect officers so members know each other
better. Check with your
county MU
Extension center
about regional officer training.
How often do 4-H clubs meet?
Some clubs meet every month year round and others meet every week for a
month or two. This depends on the needs and desires of the group. 4-H
clubs organize between September and December each year.
Where do 4-H clubs meet?
Any place is acceptable if it is large enough and is convenient for the
members of the group. Some clubs meet in leaders or members homes. Some
meet in a central location such as a community room, school or church.
How big should a club be?
This depends on the age of the members, the space for meetings, and the
leadership available. The ideal club is big enough to have fun together,
but small enough for everybody to feel a part of the group. The average
club in Missouri has 10 to 20 members and two or three leaders.
What is a 4-H leader?
An adult who works voluntarily with a group of 4-H members.
Are there different kinds of leaders?
Yes. Volunteer club coordinators are adults who help a group get
organized and run its meetings. Adults who teach members how to do
things are called project leaders and usually have a special interest or
skill such as photography, clothing or gardening.
Can the same person be a project and an organizational leader?
Sure — if they have the time and interest. Sometimes big clubs divide
these jobs and have several project leaders (and youth leaders) to meet
all the interests of 4-H members.
Who are youth leaders?
Youth leaders are 4-H members who usually work under direct supervision
of an adult leader to assist with a project or special club activity.
How many leaders should a 4-H club have?
That depends on the size of the club and the ages of its members. 4-H
guidelines suggest a minimum of two leaders per club and three to five
leaders for clubs with 40 or more members in order to share the workload
and give individual attention to the members.
Where do I learn how to be a 4-H leader?
Primarily, help would come from the
county
MU Extension office. Discuss your interest in working with youth and
your previous experience with the 4-H youth specialist. Missouri 4-H
strives to provide safe environments for everyone involved in youth
activities.
What are 4-H projects?
A 4-H project is a series of learning experiences for members. Over 40
projects are available in the Missouri 4-H program. Most projects have
manuals to assist the 4-H leader and member.
What is a 4-H project manual?
A project manual contains help and direction needed to complete the
project. Some projects have a manual for each division. Others have one
manual which is used for several years. Most projects also have helper’s
guides.
What does a 4-H project cost?
It varies. A member enrolled in Arts and Crafts might use supplies from
around the home with no additional expense. A member who buys and keeps
a horse might invest several hundred dollars. Members should consider
cost and the family situation as they select a project.
Are 4-H members expected to do their own project work?
Yes — with help. 4-H is a "learning by doing" program. Leaders, youth
leaders, and parents may explain or show a member how, but members are
expected to learn how to do things themselves.
What is an exhibit?
An exhibit is an object or display designed to help a member show what
he or she has accomplished. Ideally it motivates a youth to learn and to
have fun in a 4-H project. An exhibit is not an end in itself, nor does
it measure all the learning that takes place from completing a project.
Are projects done individually or as a club?
Both. Some projects like Geology are more fun when done as a group.
Others like making a dress or baking cookies will be done individually.
What happens at meetings?
4-H clubs usually consists of five parts: project work, conduct business
meetings, recreation or social activities, community service work and
special interest programs.
Not all five parts are planned at each meeting. Sometimes clubs will
conduct a short business meeting, work on their projects, then have
recreation. Occasionally the whole meeting is devoted to part. For
example, members may bring their dog and practice obedience training, or
members may elect officers, plan the club program and have a
pizza-making party, or members may tour a local business. Variety is
important.
Who plans the program for the club?
Members of the club. The program may be planned at a club meeting or a
committee may collect ideas and plan the program.
When do clubs meet and how long do meetings last?
This depends on the group. Many clubs meet after school, in the evening
or on Saturday. The most important thing is to have a regular time to
get together at a time all can remember.
What should parents know about 4-H leaders?
It's important to understand that leaders are unpaid volunteers. Parents
should attend a meeting or volunteer to hold a meeting in their home so
they can see how the leader works with the club.
How do you get parents to help?
Ask them. Be specific about jobs the club needs help with. Think
positively. People who expect help usually get it. Offer a choice of
jobs as parents can provide different amounts of time and abilities. Ask
the youth to ask their parents to help.
As a 4-H parent, how can I help my child?
Counsel your child in the selection of 4-H projects that are interesting
and can be conveniently financed. Continue to show interest and
enthusiasm after the projects have been selected. Help your child
understand how to carry out the various phases of the project, but don't
do the project for them. Your job is to teach, not govern; to guide, not
control. Learn to give increased freedom as your child develops.