4-H Youth Development

Sankey_zimmerman 4-H is a community of young people across Kansas engaged in learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Caring adults who support our programs are essential for youth to achieve their potential, providing guidance, respect, skills, knowledge, and wisdom. 4-H is a nationwide program.

4-H Clover

Each of the four H's of the clover represents ways youth can grow and develop:

H ead, critical thinking, problem solving;
H eart, self-discipline, integrity, communication;
H ands, serving others; and
H ealth, choosing healthy lifestyles.

In 4-H, youth have fun with a purpose!

Who: Youth ages 5-18 years of age from Rice County, KS.

What: Join a monthly club to build life skills through hands-on learning. These may include practicing parliamentary procedures during club meetings, giving a talk, completing a project, or carrying out community service. (Rice County Youth who are 5-6 years old will join "Cloverbuds," a county-wide 4-H club that meets once a month.)

How: 4-H uses research-based project information to empower youth to do things they've never done before in a creative and confident way. 4-H doesn't charge a membership fee, though some projects have associated costs. Best of all, you can choose your level of participation - as much or as little as you have time for.

When: 4-H organizes for the new year each October 1. Youth may join throughout the year, but must join by May 1 if they intend to participate in the County Fair. (Some livestock and food projects have earlier enrollment deadlines. Visit with your local Extension Office for specific dates.)

4-H teaches youth to analyze information, make decisions, communicate effectively, prepare for careers, serve their communities, and plan for healthy lifestyles - all while they're having fun. So go ahead - get involved in 4-H and have some fun!