WHAT IS 4-H?
With over 6 million members and clubs gathering in all 50 states across the country, it's no surprise that 4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is about having fun, learning, exploring and discovering. In 4-H, young people use their heads, heart, hands, and health to make new friends, develop new skills, become better leaders and help shape their communities. 4-H gives them a chance to pursue their own interests – from photography to computers, from building rockets to raising sheep. A list of 4-H projects is available online. They go places – to camp, to state and national conferences. They learn to be leaders and active citizens.
Louisiana 4-H has three primary program areas: science, engineering and technology (SET); healthy living; and citizenship. Through high quality, hands-on programming, members are immersed into curriculum that is both fun and educational. Holding fast to the slogan “learn by doing,” 4-H brings a real world aspect to learning by allowing youth to direct and control their own discovery.
Members take learning outside the classroom and into the garden.
The livestock program is strong and growing in EBR. Pictured are two proud winners!
Throughout the year, members have various opportunities to participate in several camps.
The Shooting Sports Program allows members to learn marksmanship, responsibility, and teamwork.
4-H University is the premiere event for members 13 to 18 years old.
Cloverbuds programming is available to those youth who may be too young to join 4-H just yet.
THE 4-H BRAND
"By empowering the next generation to lead, 4-H took root, and grew... Grew kids who are confident and strong... Who are curious enough to question, and capable enough to find the answer... Who stick to the job, until the job gets done... Who know how to work with others, and how to lead..."
Find out more about the 4-H Brand and what 4-H is all about by watching this video. For more information about how you can become active in this amazing youth organization, click here!
4-H IN EBR
The East Baton Rouge Parish 4-H Program is of unique design, as it merges facets of urbanized agriculture with that of traditional farming practices. While the program focuses largely on local aspects, it is part of the larger structure, including state and national programming.
4-H programming is developed and conducted by the talented local staff, consisting of the East Baton Rouge parish chair, East Baton Rouge extension staff, and East Baton Rouge secretarial staff. Local staffing is additionally supported by members of the LSU AgCenter and Cooperative Extension Services. The 4-H curricula is based on the experiential learning model, where members and participants take an active role as they work to achieve mastery. Programming intends to excite and educate by putting our slogan to work as it states, “learn by doing.”
School leaders, volunteers, parents, and other lay leaders play a pivotal role in implementing programming efforts. The time and talents that they share with our members is a fundamental element that contributes directly to the success of 4-H in East Baton Rouge Parish. To become a leader or volunteer, click here.
Specific programming information can be found by clicking here.
A BRIEF HISTORY
The first 4-H emblem was a three-leaf clover, introduced sometime between 1907 and 1908. The three “H’s” represented head, heart and hands. In 1911, at a meeting of club leaders in Washington, a fourth “H” representing health was added and the current 4-H four-leaf clover emblem was approved. It is protected by the U.S. Congress. More information on Clover logo usage is available.
The 4-H pledge was worded by Otis Hall, Kansas state 4-H leader. It was approved at the first National 4-H Club Camp in 1927 in Washington, D.C. The words “my world” were added to the pledge in 1973. Their addition is the only change ever made to the 4-H pledge.
HEAD stands for clearer thinking and decision-making. Knowledge that is useful throughout life.
HEART stands for greater loyalty, strong personal values, positive self concept, concern for others.
HANDS stands for larger service, workforce preparedness, useful skills, science and technology literacy.
HEALTH stands for better living, healthy lifestyles.
THE 4-H PLEDGE
I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking,
My HEART to greater loyalty,
My HANDS to larger service,
And my HEALTH to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world.