University of Wisconsin-Extension programs in 4-H Youth Development give young people opportunities to learn new skills, gain self-confidence and contribute to their communities. Backed by the knowledge and research base of the University of Wisconsin, 4-H Youth Development educators design educational, leadership and citizenship experiences for youth. These programs are delivered directly through more than 20,000 adult volunteers in neighborhood 4-H clubs or groups and by collaborating with other local organizations.

4-H…

• …is a youth organization of boys and girls sharing, doing, and learning together in all kinds of projects, events, and activities.  4-H members are guided by volunteer adult leaders, parents, and UW Extension staff.  Members choose projects that fit their personal interests.  Both rural and urban youth enjoy the merits of the 4-H program.  Families enjoy the meaningful time together through a variety of events.
• …is open to all boys and girls, kindergarten through one year past high school graduation.  4-H is open to all youth, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or ability.
• … has a small membership fee, which varies from club to club and nominal charges for project literature and special activities which help pay for food, transportation, or supplies.
• …is a non-profit organization.

The Four Essential Elements of Youth Development

Belonging

• A Positive Relationship with a Caring Adult
• A caring adults acts as an advisor, guide and mentor.  The adult helps set boundaries and expectations for young people.
• An Inclusive Environment
• An inclusive environment is one that creates a sense of belonging, encourages and supports its members with positive and specific feedback.
• A Safe Environment
• Youth should not fear physical or emotional harm while participating in a 4-H experience whether from the learning environment itself, adults, other participants or spectators.

Mastery

• Opportunity for Mastery
• Mastery is the building of knowledge, skills, and attitudes and then demonstrating the competent use of this knowledge and skills in the manner of a proficient practitioner.  The development of mastery is a process over time.
• Engagement in Learning
• An engaged youth is one who is mindful of the subject area, building relationships and connections in order to develop understanding.  The engaged learner has a higher degree of self-motivation and an inexhaustible capacity to create.

 Independence

• Opportunity to See Oneself as an Active Participant in the Future
• The ability to see oneself in the future is to have hope and optimism to shape life choices to facilitate the transition into participating in the future.
• Opportunity for Self-Determination
• Youth must exercise a sense of influence over their lives, exercising their potential to become self-directing, autonomous adults.

 Generosity

• Opportunity to Value and Practice Service to Others
• Finding one’s self begins with losing yourself in the service of others.  Service is a way for members to gain exposure to the larger community, indeed the world itself.

The 4 H’s…

Head

→Think Critically

→Solving Problems

Heart

→Respecting self, others, and the environment

→Communicating

Hands

→Preparing for a career

→Serving others

 Health

→Choosing healthy lifestyles

 →Managing change and challenges

Wisconsin 4-H Website

Wisconsin 4-H Policy

4-H Membership

• Regular Members are in third grade through the year following high school.
• Cloverbuds are in Kindergarten through second grade.

Enrolling in 4-H is simple! To receive an enrollment packet, email jason.hornickel@wisc.edu or call the office at (608) 269-8722. If emailing be sure to include:

1. Name
2. Address
3. How many youth are interested in joining
4. ENROLLMENT PACKET in the subject line