LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
For more than 100 years, 4-H has provided experiences where kids learn by doing.
In Edgar County, there are more than a dozen 4-H clubs and approximately 80 projects for youth to choose from including animal science, civic engagement and creative arts projects.
“Our goal is to build confidence in these kids and build their future by giving them the opportunity to talk to people they may not talk with,” Brittany Smith told a Prairie Press reporter.
Smith is the Edgar County 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator and during the past week, she has organized projects, volunteers and children as 4-Hers presented during fair week.
Around the world, there are over 70 independent, country-led 4-H programs. Worldwide, there are almost seven million 4-H’ers and the goal is to reach 20 million members internationally by 2025.
In 4-H programs, youth complete hands-on projects under the guidance of adult mentors inside of their community. The projects are completed through 4-H clubs, after-school programs, residential camping, day camps and workshops.
“If we give these kids the opportunity now to learn about their community and who their community members are, it could make all the difference when they are adults,” Smith said. “When people think 4H, they think it is just farming and livestock, but it is not. It’s so much more than that.”
The iconic green, four-leaf clover symbolizes 4-H utilizing four “H’s. The four”H’s” are found in the pledge, which is recited at club meetings and county, state and national programs.
“I pledge my Head to clearer thinking
My Heart to greater loyalty
My Hands to larger service
My Health to better living
For my club, community, country and world.”
4-H focuses on developing healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally, by teaching youth to manage feelings, build self-esteem, and build character. Youth learn to use their Head, Heart, Hands and Health to better their club, community, country and world.
Members of the 4-H learn about topics that interest them. Those interests are referred to as a member’s “projects.” Projects could be anything from learning how to cook, build a robot or care for the environment.
Smith and other leaders say one of the most important aspects of 4-H project work is that the 4-H member decides what they want to learn and do as they explore their project. The self-direction a young 4-Her feels allows the project to be self-paced, and gives them important skills in setting and working toward their goals.
In 4‑H, the belief is that true leaders aren’t born – they’re grown.
Youth who are at least eight years of age and have not reached their 19th birthday on the start date of the program year may enroll as a member of 4-H clubs or participate as an independent member.
Youth who are five to seven years of age on the start date of the program year may enroll as a 4-H Cloverbud. All 4-H club members pay an annual $20 program fee with financial assistance available for families who cannot afford the fee.
Adults can also participate in 4-H, through various leadership roles including 4-H livestock ambassadors, State 4-H youth leadership, 4-H science ambassadors and 4-H camp counselors.
“4-H is in every community,” Smith explained, noting the program is successful because of the volunteers, leaders and members who make the events and education possible each year.
For more information on local 4-H activities and ways to get involved search for the “Edgar County 4-H” page on Facebook, or contact Smith at bsmith16@illinois.edu