By Rick Hirsch/County Extension Agent
4-H is a national organization which helps young people develop life-long knowledge and skills to become engaged citizens. Youth of today should be preparing themselves to become leaders for tomorrow, and that’s where 4-H can play an important part. The 4-H project is the backbone of the youth development program. 4-H projects allow 4-H’ers to investigate areas that might be career opportunities for tomorrow.
Project opportunities are unlimited. Projects allow 4-H’ers to develop skills, ideas and knowledge to the fullest potential.
4-H clubs in Henderson County provide leadership, organizational, educational and recreational experiences. Through these clubs 4-H’ers learn the democratic process, self-expression, self-esteem and group cooperation – all essential elements in developing life skills.
Through meetings, programs, recreation and achievement events, 4-H members learn to share, to be good sports and to accept recognition gracefully. They learn each time they perform at a club, county and district event that regardless of whether they place first or last, they are winners because they have worked and achieved.
Parents with children between the ages of 9 (or third grade) and 19 check out the Henderson County 4-H program – it can mean a world of difference.
Through 4-H, youth are also taught how to meet the diversities and challenges of today’s society by bringing together youth and adults to design programs that will teach skills for living. 4-H is truly a model of the “learning by doing” teaching concept. It reaches people in their own communities with delivery methods suitable to their needs. 4-H also helps to provide opportunities for families and communities to develop stronger bonds.
The 4-H program is a voluntary, non-formal, educational program offered to all youth regardless of race, color, national origin, residence, or handicap. The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program is conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, which is a part of the Texas A&M System. County and district 4-H programs are directed by Extension staff who also provide training and support to adult volunteers who work with 4-H members. The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program services youth in all 254 counties in Texas.
Young people in 4-H learn about citizenship, leadership, foods and nutrition, healthy lifestyles, veterinary science, mechanics and technology, horticulture, agriculture, and other subjects. To teach young people about these subjects, the 4-H program uses the learn-by-doing method of instruction.
The 4-H project that each members selects according to their interest and ability is the program’s cornerstone. Projects involve setting goals and evaluating progress. The skills and knowledge learned in 4-H project work help members become more engaged individuals and citizens. Some of the more popular projects are shooting sports and photography. A new addition this year is the robotics project.
To learn more about 4-H, stop by the Henderson County office of Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension Service or call 903-675-6130.