4-H CLUBS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY - FAQ

What is 4-H?
4-H is an educational program designed to provide youth with a variety of experiences that will help them to become skilled and responsible adults. They have fun with friends at meetings, social activities, tours, camps and fairs. They learn to take care of animals, grow plants, explore nature, develop leadership skills, take pictures, sew and cook. Some help others with 4-H educational programs. All are busy and very enthusiastic young people.

Who's in charge of 4-H?
4-H is the youth development program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, which receives funds from the Westchester County Legislature, the New York State Legislature, Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, and private sources. Extension's Board of Directors hires Cooperative Extension agents and staff to coordinate and organize the programs.

How to join 4-H?
Call the Westchester County Cooperative Extension Office at 914-285-4620 or contact a local 4-H leader to see if there is room in a club near you. Five interested young people with an adult or two may start a new club. Call the 4-H office for full details.

What is the 4-H emblem and what do the H's stand for?
They stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.

4-H participants pledge:
"My head to clearer thinking
My heart to greater loyalty
My hands to larger service
My health to better living."

The official emblem is a green four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each leaf.

Who can join 4-H?
4-H is for boys and girls age 6 to 19 in the current calendar year. It is open to everyone, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, or disability.

Are members and leaders recognized for their achievements?
Yes! Recognition is very important and happens in any of the following ways: Achievement Night, program leaders' banquet, pins and certificates, ribbons, trips, State Fair participation, county medals, and youth fair exhibits.

How do you get a 4-H group started?
With at least five young people 6 to 19 years old and one to three adults who are willing to help. Recruitment can be done through your school, church, posters, local newspaper column, or other places where young people may be reached. All clubs are formed through the 4-H office. For assistance call the 4-H office at 285-4620.

How big should a club be?
This depends on the age of the members, where they meet, and the leadership available. The average club in Westchester County usually has five to ten members and two or three adult leaders.

What about officers?
4-H clubs are encouraged to have officers; this develops leadership skills. The 4-H office provides helpful materials for presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries, treasurers, news reporters, recreation leaders, and historians. It is a good idea to wait until the second or third meeting to elect officers, when members have become acquainted.

How much does it cost?
There are no county, state, or national 4-H dues. If a club wants money for some activities, it usually charges dues or conducts money-making activities. Dues may not be used to keep someone from joining 4-H. The Westchester County 4-H has an annual registration fee of $5.00.

What is a 4-H leader?
An adult who works as a volunteer with a group of 4-H participants.

How many leaders should a 4-H club have?
That depends on the size of the club and the ages of the participants. At least two are recommended.

Who can be a 4-H leader?
Parents or other interested adults who are willing to volunteer some of their time and skills by sharing their abilities with the youth in their club. All volunteers must be registered with the 4-H office.

Are there different kinds of leaders?
Yes. Some adults teach participants how to become project leaders. They usually have a special interest or skill such as photography or sewing or gardening. Adults who help a group get organized and run their meetings are called "organizational leaders."

Can the same person be a project and an organizational leader?
Sure, if they have the time and interest. Sometimes big clubs divide these jobs and have several project leaders to meet all the interests that 4-H participants have.

Where would I learn how to be a 4-H leader?
Your main help comes from the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H staff. As soon as you indicate an interest in becoming a 4-H leader, you will be put on the 4-H leaders' mailing list, be invited to attend special subject matter training sessions, and be eligible to participate in all new leader training sessions.

What are 4-H projects?
4-H projects are learning experiences for 4-H participants. Over 100 projects including leaders' and members' guides are currently available from Cornell Cooperative Extension.

What does a 4-H project cost?
It varies. A participant enrolled in crafts might use supplies from around the house to practice their learning skills with no additional expense. Discuss cost with participants as they select a project.

Are projects done individually or as a group?
Both. Some projects like conservation or biking are more fun when done in a group. Others like sewing or baking are often done individually by each participant.

Where do 4-H clubs meet?
Clubs meet in leaders' or members' homes or in central places such as schools, Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Centers, churches, or community rooms. Any place large enough that is convenient for the entire group.

What do 4-H clubs do at a meeting?
4-H clubs usually have four general kinds of activities: project work, business meeting, recreation or social activities, and special interest programs.

How often do 4-H clubs meet?
Regular meetings are determined by the club participants and the leaders. Generally clubs will have business meetings once a month and project or activity meetings more often. Some clubs prefer to meet every-other-week or once a month.

How are 4-H clubs run?
Business meetings are run according to Robert's Rules of Order; other meetings are informal. Recreation and refreshments make meetings fun.

What are 4-H activities or events?
These activities supplement the regular 4-H project work. Countywide events in Westchester include: field trips, picnics, the State Fair, the Summer Fair at Muscoot, the Grange Fair, service projects and public presentations.

What is a Youth Fair exhibit?
An exhibit is an object or display made, grown or raised by the 4-H participants during the past year. Ideally it motivates learning and having fun in a 4-H project. An exhibit is not an end in itself nor does it measure how much is learned in a project. The reward of self-satisfaction for having completed a project is as important as a blue ribbon

How do we know what's happening in 4-H?
The 4-H newsletter, VOICE, is sent free to each 4-H family. It includes notices of upcoming events as well as information of general interest to leaders. It also includes reports of club meetings, announcements of coming events and special opportunities that are of interest to 4-H families.

What is expected of a 4-H parent?
Since 4-H leaders are volunteers with an interest in youth, your support in the club's activities is very helpful. Basic support is keeping in touch with the leader and seeing that your child completes activities that are to be done at home. You should also offer to help with a club project or activity.

What other ways can a 4-H parent help?
Volunteer to hold meetings or parties at your house; offer to provide transportation to an event for a group of participants; send refreshments if they are part of the meeting plan; attend leader trainings offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Let the leader know that you be willing to help in any capacity; then be sure to be available.

For more information please e-mail westchester@cornell.edu

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