Q&A About 4-H

Clubs

What is a 4-H Club or Youth Group?

It's a group of young people interested in coming together to learn, socialize and to have fun under the leadership of a caring adult(s).

Why do young people like 4-H?

They have fun with friends at meetings, social activities, tours, camps and fairs. They learn to do interesting things like raise animals and plants, fix their bikes, take pictures, learn cooking and collect insects. Some help others with 4-H education programs.

How do you get a 4-H group organized?

Have a meeting with the young people who are interested and adults who are willing to help. Publicize it through the school or any place where young people and their parents can be reached.

What do you do at the first meeting?

Get acquainted and have fun with a group mixer. Invite parents as well as new members. Show and talk about some projects the group might like. (Give some thought in advance and talk with the 4-H educator or an experienced 4-H volunteer). Discuss when and how often the group will meet.

What do 4-H clubs do at other meetings?

4-H clubs usually do four general kinds of things: project work, business meetings, recreation or social activities, and special interest programs.

Do they do all of those things at one meeting?

Sometimes. If they have a little business to conduct, they work on their projects for a awhile and play a game or two. Sometimes the whole meeting is devoted to one thing.

Who plans the program for the club?

Members of the club. If the club is small, this might be done at a meeting of the whole group. If the club is large, ideas come from everybody and a committee puts together a program.

When do clubs meet and how long do meetings last?

This depends on the group. Many clubs meet for an hour or two after school, in the evening or on a Saturday. Some meet once a week, others once or twice a month. The most important thing is to have a regular time to get together, one that members and their families can remember.

Where do 4-H clubs meet?

Any place large enough that is convenient for the members of the group. Some clubs meet in the leader's or members' homes or garages. Some meet in a central place such as a school, church or community room.

What about club officers?

4-H clubs may have officers and whatever committees they need to run their own business. 4-H has material available for presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries, treasurers, news reporters and recreation leaders. The club may have more or fewer, 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. Some clubs rotate officer duties among members.

Who names a club?

The members of the club do... with their leader's guidance.

Should 4-H clubs have dues?

This depends on their need for money. There are county, state or national 4-H dues. If a club wants money for some activities, it usually charges dues or conducts money-making activities. Dues may not be used to keep someone from joining 4-H. The local 4-H office also asks for a simple financial statement at the end of the calendar year.

How big should a club be?

This depends on the age of the members, the place they have to meet and the leadership available. The ideal club is big enough to have fun and learn together, but small enough for everybody to feel a part of the group.

How do you explain the role of a 4-H leader to parents?

Be sure they realize leaders are volunteers who are not being paid. Invite parents to a 4-H meeting or ask if they would like to hold meetings in their homes so they can see how leaders work with clubs.

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. People have different time and abilities. Ask the young people to ask their parents to help.

How do you join?

Call our 800 number 1-800-374-4446 or e-mail Paula Burgielewicz to see if there is a club near you. If not, several interested young people with an adult or two to help them may start a new club.

4-H Club Leaders

What is a 4-H Club Leader?

An adult who works voluntarily with a group of 4-H members.

Are there different kinds of leaders?

Yes, some adults teach members to do things. They usually have a special interest or skill such as photography, clothing or gardening. Other adults help organize a group and run the meetings. Many do both. Sometimes big clubs divide these tasks and have several leaders to meet all the interests the 4-H members have.

How many leaders should a 4-H club have?

That depends on the size of the club and how old the members are. Some clubs have junior leaders, who usually assist running the club.

Can an adult be involved in 4-H without being a leader?

Yes. There are many opportunities for volunteers within the 4-H program. Contact the local Extension Educator for ideas.

Where would I learn how to be a 4-H leader or volunteer?

Contact your local Extension Educator who will invite you to a special training and give you the materials you need to organize a club. All potential leaders need to complete an application form with references before being accepted as a leader in the program.

What are 4-H projects?

4-H projects offer learning experiences in many different subjects for young people.

What does a 4-H project cost?

It depends on the project. A member enrolled in crafts might use supplies from around the house to practice skills he is learning and have no additional expense. A member who buys and keeps a saddle horse might have to make a larger investment. Discuss cost with members as they select a project. It should be realistic to the family situation.

Are 4-H members expected to do their own project work?

Yes...with help. 4-H is a "learn by doing" program. Leaders, junior leaders and parents may tell or show a member, but members are expected to learn how to do things themselves.

What are "pilot" projects?

Pilot projects are new projects being tested and developed for 4-H members by leaders or Extension Educators. If you have an idea for one, call your Extension Educator.

What is an exhibit?

An exhibit is an object or display designed to help the young person feel capable. It demonstrates accomplishment and follow-through on a project. Ideally, it motivates her/him to learn and to have fun in a 4-H project. An exhibit is not an end in itself nor does it measure the learning that takes place in a project. A blue ribbon is only one measure of success. Self-recognition and self-satisfaction for having completed a project are also important.