What is 4-H?

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 make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and help shape their communities.

More than 65,000 Texas youth are enrolled members of 4-H community clubs in Texas. Another 850,000 Texas youth get involved in 4-H through special educational opportunities at school, in after school programs, or at neighborhood or youth centers. These youth live in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural 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 such as to camp, to state and national conferences. They learn to be leaders and active citizens.

In 4-H clubs, they serve as officers and learn to conduct meetings, handle club funds, and facilitate group decision-making. In a growing number of communities, 4-H youth serve as youth representatives in municipal or county government or as members of Teen Courts. They give back to their communities. 4-H members get involved in volunteer projects to protect the environment, mentor younger children and help people who are less fortunate.

Mission Of Texas 4-H

Prepare youth to meet the challenges of childhood, adolescence and adulthood, through a coordinated, long-term, progressive series of educational experiences that enhance life skills and develop social, emotional, physical and cognitive competencies.

How do I enroll/register for 4-H?

Enrollment in 4-H is accomplished by using 4-H Connect, which is an online system, and you can access your account or create an account by clicking on the link below. Enrollment in 4-H is by academic year (i.e. September 1 – August 31), and each member must enroll each year. There is a $20.00 annual membership fee if you enroll by October 31st, and the membership fee increases to $25.00 if you enroll after October 31st, so it is to your advantage to enroll early!

You can find links and other instructions HERE and as always, call the office at (325) 835-2711 if you have any questions or need any help.

What are the age minimums for participating in Irion County 4-H?

• Clover Kids/Beginners: 1st and 2nd graders
• Junior Members: 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders
• Intermediate: 6th, 7th, & 8th graders
• Senior: 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders

How will I know what is going on in Irion County 4-H?

We will post information on this website, through email, and on our Facebook page found HERE.

4-H TRADITIONS

The History of the 4-H Clover and Emblem

The first 4-H emblem was a three-leaf clover, introduced sometime between 1907 and 1908. The three leaves represented head, heart and hands. In 1911, at a meeting of club leaders in Washington, a fourth leaf  representing health was added and the current 4-H four-leaf clover emblem was approved. It is protected by the U.S. Congress.

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.

4-H Pledge

I pledge.

my Head to clearer thinking,
my Heart to greater loyalty,
my Hands to larger service,
my Health to better living.
For my Club, my community, my country, and my world.

4-H Motto

To make the best better.