Vision and Mission

Vision: The 4-H Youth Development Program is a world leader in developing young people's ability to become productive citizens and catalysts for positive change to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society.

Through 4-H Youth Development education, youth will:

  • Practice effective problem-solving and decision making skills
  • Practice responsible health behavior
  • Be environmental stewards
  • Possess positive work attitudes and skills
  • Value diversity
  • Have a strong sense of community and social responsibility
  • Contribute to positive relationships with families, peers, and community
  • Demonstrate communication and leadership skills
  • Value lifelong learning
  • Feel the personal pride that comes with mastery
  • Feel valued and utilized as a resource in the community.

4-H Mission: The mission of the 4-H Youth Development program is "to create safe, supportive environments in which diverse youth and adults can reach their fullest potential."

How Do Young People Learn in 4-H?

4-H members "learn by doing." Young people, with guidance from adults, learn useful skills and how to live with people and serve their community and country by practicing these skills in real-life situations.

4-H members learn by taking part in:

  • Recreation: 4-H'ers learn to enjoy life, themselves, and association with others in social activites. Recreation is a wonderful way to teach leadership skills as well.
  • Project  Work: Project work helps members gain knowledge and skills and learn to take responsibility. By doing project work at  home, members can develop a feeling of partnership with their parents.
  • Presentations: 4-H members show and tell others how to do things they learn. This process is called giving a presentation, and a youth takes his first step to helping others and developing leadership as well as public speaking skills.
  • Record Keeping: 4-H members learn record keeping skills by making timely entries in a project record book. A story of what they have done in each project and in their club is also included. Keeping records helps members evaluate their 4-H learning and develop business skills.
  • County Contests: 4-H members taking part in contests may receive an award for their efforts, but they learn cooperative and competitive skills as well as the standards of excellence.