UGA Cooperative Extension
Washington County Extension Office:
4-H Youth Development
Breaking News
Washington County 4-H'er Jacquera Swint wins 1st Place in Flowers, Shrubs & Lawns at Georgia 4-H Congress in Atlanta.
Read the full story...
Washington County 4-H Clubs
- Cloverleaf 4-H (5th-6th grade)
- Junior 4-H (7th-8th grade)
- Sigma Lambda Chi 4-H (9th-12th grade)
- Home School 4-H (5th-12th grade)
- Washington County 4-H Livestock Club
- Washington County 4-H Horse Club
- Washington County 4-H JOAD Archery Team
- Washington County 4-H S.A.F.E. Rifle Program (B.B. Gun Team)
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General Info
What is 4-H?
4-H is a National Club that was organized by the Cooperative Extension. It is carried out as a “cooperative” effort by the United States Department of Agriculture, the local land grant institution in each state (University of Georgia in Georgia) and County Governments.
The 4-H Club is the largest youth organization in the world. 4-H is an educational program designed especially for youth. The primary purpose of 4-H is youth development. It is a supplement to training received at home, church and school.
Boys and girls age 9 to 19 can become 4-H members. The local 4-H Club is organized under the guidance of County Extension Agents. The theory of 4-H education is to “learn by doing.”4-H’ers can enroll in a wide variety of projects, activities, camps and events.
Today, 4-H’ers may select one of more than 50 projects to explore and share. One opportunity to share what you know is Project Achievement. During Project Achievement, 4-H’ers present demonstrations or illustrated talks about their subject. It’s not all work, though, 4-H’ers competing have lots of fun and are honored with ribbons and other awards for their work.
4-H’ers are also encouraged to participate in Judging Events. 4-H’ers will judge everything from clothes to cows and they don’t have to know anything about the topic to begin with. The 4-H leader will offer information and practice sessions. In a judging contest, 4-H’ers put their knowledge to the test by comparing and grading similar items.
Lots of 4-H’ers still raise animals and show livestock and horses in state and area shows and events. Whether a meat goat, heifer or market hog, 4-H’ers may be judged on how well they show the animal or on the animal they own. 4-H’ers who do not own animals may also enter several local and state fairs with everything from mini-booths to creative painted pumpkins.
4-H’ers learn by doing. Emphasis in 4-H is placed on learning practical life skills, learning to better make intelligent decisions, improving skills in communication, and increasing leadership and citizenship capabilities. 4-H strives to make the best ever better.
4-H Youth Development: An Overview
Who is eligible?
Any youth, ages 9-19, may join. Washington County 4-H has more than 600 members.
Where does 4-H Meet?
Public school 4-H members in 5th & 6th grade meet monthly during school. Brentwood School 4-H members in 5th & 6th grade meet monthly during P.E. at school. Public school 7th & 8th grade 4-H members meet monthly during school lunch times. Brentwood 7th & 8th grade 4-H members meet monthly at the 4-H Office. High school 4-H members meet monthly with the location set up annually. Home school 4-H members meet at the 4-H Office once a month.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for membership. Optional activities may have a nominal charge.
What about Parents?
Parents are an important part of 4-H activities and are always welcome. We also strongly encourage parents to consider becoming a 4-H Volunteer.
4-H Motto
To Make the Best Better
4-H Colors
Green and White
4-H Slogan
Learn by Doing
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.
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Community Service Information
Visit your 4-H Club page above for any additional or specific Club Community Service Information!
On-Site Community Service Opportunities
Washington County 4-H offers 4-H'ers the opportunity to participate in numerous on-site community service activities. Washington County 4-H'ers have visited residents in our local nursing homes, assisted with Hamburg State Park's Clean Up Day, cleaned the Walking Trail / Arboretum at Washington County Regional Medical Center as well as other activities. For more information about upcoming On-Site Community Service Opportunities contact the Washington County 4-H Office.
Other Community Service Opportunities
| Date | Event |
| September | School Supply Drive Collect school supplies for local primary schools - Hand Sanitizer, Fiskars scissors, Boxes of Crayola Crayons, Boxes of Crayola Markers, #2 pencils, Zip-Lock bags (any size), Spiral Notebooks (wide rule only), Boxes of Kleenex, Pencil top erasers, Elmer’s Glue, Bookbag, Plastic pencil boxes, Boxes of Band-Aids, Writing Paper, Wide rule notebook paper, and D’Nelian Tablet Paper (wide lines) These items are due no later than your October 4-H Club Meeting. |
| October | Can Food Drive Can Food Drive for local Food Banks. Bring in non-perishable boxed or canned food items to be donated to our local Food Banks. Items must be brought in no later than your November 4-H Club Meeting. |
| November | Toy Drive & Christmas Cards for Elderly 1. Donate NEW toys for Toys for Tots - Toys must be NEW and in original wrapping. 2. Make Christmas Cards for local Nursing Home Residents - Cards will be distributed to residents of local Nursing Homes. These items must be turned in no later than December 3, 2010. |
| January | Valentine Cards for Elderly Make Valentines for local Nursing Home Residents. Make sure you include Washington County 4-H and your name on your cards. You will receive 50 points per card that is turned in towards Club of the Month/Year. Cards are due no later than February 11th. |
| February | Animal Shelter Supply Drive Bring in Cat/Dog supplies for local Animal Shelter. Items needed include: Cat/Dog Food, Cat/Dog Toys, Cat Litter, Newspapers, Cleaning supplies. All items are due at your March 4-H Club Meeting. |
| March | Coins for Cancer Help support our local Relay for Life by collecting coins to help find a cure for cancer! |
Our on-going annual Community Service Project will be collecting can pop-tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. Collect them in a gallon sized zip lock back and then turn them in to the 4-H Office.
Bring your aluminum can pop tabs to the Washington County 4-H Office |
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4-H Events
Washington County 4-H Event Calendar
Forms & Information
- Code of Conduct
- Medical Release Form
- 4-H Enrollment Form
- Cloverleaf Project Achievement Information
- Junior Project Achievement Information
- Senior Project Achievement Information
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Become a Volunteer
“When adults take time to help young people through 4-H, they exert an enormous, positive influence on the lives of youth.” – Retired General Colin Powell
4-H is a great volunteer opportunity that fits your interests, skills and time available with the needs of youth in your community. Interested in learning more? Visit our Volunteer Page below or Call us at (478) 552-2011.
Visit our 4-H Volunteer page for more information on becoming a volunteer.
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Contact
For more information about Washington County 4-H Youth Development Programs, contact Cindy Sheram, County Extension Agent, 4-H Youth at csheram@uga.edu or call (478) 552-2011.
Visit the Georgia 4-H website at www.georgia4h.org.
