What is 4-H?

4-H is an informal, educational youth development program conducted by the Oregon State University Extension Service, as authorized by federal and state statutes. In each county, local Extension staff has the authority to administer the program in accordance with University and Extension policy. Extension staff members work with advisory groups to provide a program that meets the county needs.
Members belong to a club/group led by volunteer leaders and take part in club activities such as community service, educational tours, and fun events. In addition to club activities, there is a wide variety of enrichment activities offered at the county, state, national, and international levels.

4-H leaders are trained volunteers who have enrolled with the Extension Service. They present information provided by Extension and Oregon State University. Publications your child receives for use with 4-H projects are developed by Extension faculty or other resource people.
4-H helps young people discover and develop life skills and set personal goals. Involvement in project areas gives members the help needed to improve specific skills and explore new ones. Activities within clubs also introduce members to the importance of helping others through community service.

4-H Members and Participants

4-H members are youth in grades 4 through 12 who learn together in club settings led by volunteer 4-H leaders. Club members meet all year long to complete one of 40 or more projects. 4-H clubs usually have officers elected from their membership.
Some youth participate in 4-H school enrichment programs or other short-term special-interest programs. These short-term programs may be led by volunteers or teachers. Most programs focus on science-based curricula that support the latest educational goals for Oregon students.
Youth in grades K-3 may enroll in 4-H Adventures programs.
4-H members and participants are considered part of the off-campus student body of Oregon State University. Current 4-H enrollment includes more than 55,000 Oregon youth.

The Mission Statement

The mission of 4-H is to develop youth and adult potential through:
  • Developing leadership skills
  • Learning by doing
  • Being a life long learner through research based knowledge and the land grant university
  • Having fun!
4-H Pledge
I pledge
my HEAD to clearer thinking,
my HEART to greater loyalty,
my HANDS to larger service, and
myHEALTH to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

What 4-H volunteers do for youth in Benton County:

  • 4-H adult volunteers help young people become self-directing, productive, contributing members of society
  • 4-H adult volunteers help youth develop inquiring minds, an eagerness to learn, and the ability to apply science and technology
  • 4-H adult volunteers help youth learn practical skills,
    develop competencies and acquire knowledge
  • 4-H adult volunteers help youth acquire positive attitudes about themselves
  • 4-H adult volunteers help youth improve communications skills and self-expression
  • 4-H adult volunteers help youth increase leadership capabilities