What is 4-H?

4-H is a learn-by-doing educational program that helps youth grow and develop into positive citizens. Lifelong learning is the key to 4-H and is done through 4-H projects, teamwork, responsibility, problem solving, leadership development, community involvement, public speaking, record keeping, decision making and group activities.

4-H is completely hands on which makes learning more fun and interesting, but also gives you chances at College Scholarships, showing your animal at Fair, responsibility as a leader and complete control of your 4-H involvement.

4-H is not only learning, it’s FUN !

4-H also uses local organizations, businesses and resource people to teach you not only about your field of interest but lets you customize your interest into a way you have never seen.

How Does 4-H Work?

4-H is a volunteer based organization. The 4-H Extension Agent and 4-H Program Assistant supervise the volunteers and the program.

4-H is the youth program of the Extension Service, which is a cooperative effort of Curry County, Oregon State University and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Who Can Join 4-H?

Membership in the Curry County 4-H program is open to all youth in grades K-12. Youth in grades K-3 may participate in the 4-H Adventures program. This non-competitive, group-oriented program allows youth to explore many topics such as natural resources, the community, foods, science, art and more.

Youth in grades 4-12 may join 4-H project or community clubs, which are led by volunteer leaders.

There are more than 50 projects available in the following curriculum areas:

• Animal Science
• Horticulture
• Natural Science
• Engineering
• Expressive Arts
• Home Economics
• Citizenship
• Leadership
• 4-H Adventures

School classrooms, short-term programs, and special events are also ways youth can get involved in 4-H.

How to Join 4-H !

Because OSU Extension Service is supported by tax dollars, it lets youth do activities with little or no cost. There is no membership fees or uniforms to buy when you join 4-H. There is a $1 ($2 for horse and motorcycle members) for insurance.

How to Become a 4-H Leader

To get the process going or just to inquire, please call or stop by the Curry County Extension Office, 29390 Ellensburg, Gold Beach, OR 97444. Our phone number is 1-800-356-3986 or 541-247-6672. You can also email Doug at doug.hart@orst.edu or Sheryl at sheryl.mcdonald@orst.edu

There are three things you need to do to become a leader:

• Complete a Volunteer Leader Application Form
• Attend a 4-H Leaders Training and Orientation Meeting
• Complete an Enrollment Form

4-H Volunteering is more than helping kids. It’s the fact that you are helping your community by enriching children’s minds and letting them be "themselves". When a person volunteers, they don’t do it for money, but for a better purpose. 4-H has a great purpose! The mission of 4-H is to help young people become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. Come help us out !

March/April 4-H Newsletter