Michigan State University Extension

4-H Youth Development

 

 

4-H Online FunJoin 4-HThings to do in 4-H4-H FAQs

Michigan 4-H FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)


The 4-H PledgeWhat are the four H’s?
Head, Heart, Hands and Health

  • Head – 4-H lets kids take the lead—with the help of adult partners—in thinking, learning and problem-solving.
  • Heart – 4-H helps kids build strong relationships with peers and adults based on caring and respect.
  • Hands – 4-H lets kids learn by doing and then use their talents and skills to make their communities better places in which to live and grow.
  • Health – 4-H helps kids make healthy choices to keep them physically and mentally able to do what they need to at school, at home and in their communities.

What is the 4-H pledge?
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, my community, my country and my world.

What is the 4-H motto?
"To make the best better."

Who is involved in 4-H?
4-H Youth Development programs are located in all 83 counties in Michigan. Each year, nearly 250,000 youth and 24,000 adult and older teen volunteers from major cities, suburbs, towns and rural communities participate in 4-H. Nationally, 4-H youth programs involve more than 5 million young people from all 50 states and many U.S. territories.

Who operates 4-H?
4-H Youth Development is delivered locally and operated at the state and national levels through a partnership among county governments, Michigan State University Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This partnership ensures that what 4-H promises in outcomes for young people is backed by the research and knowledge base of the nation’s premier land-grant university and the support of county, state and federal governments.

How old do you have to be to join?
4-H programs are open to youth aged 5 to 19, and youth go by their "4-H age." (Your 4-H age is how old you are by January 1 of the current 4-H program year.) Adults aged 19 and older are encouraged to join 4-H as volunteers.

How do you join 4-H?
Contact the 4-H staff at your county Michigan State University Extension office. The phone number is listed in the county government pages of your local telephone book. The MSU Extension 4-H staff can guide you to 4-H groups and 4-H opportunities in your community. Top fives for joining 4-H!

How much does it cost?
4-H youth participants pay an annual $10 fee when they enroll each year in 4-H. Individual clubs may also charge club membership fees to generate funds to meet club goals. Some project areas may require extra financial investments for supplies, equipment and travel.

Contact Information

For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:

4-H Youth Development
Michigan State University
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
USA
Phone: 517-432-7575
Fax: 517-355-6748
Email: msue4h@msu.edu


Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Michigan State University
Last Updated: March 3, 2008
Last Reviewed: