Frequently Asked Questions
What
does 4-H stand for?
4-H stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Youth involved in 4-H learn
the 4-H pledge as soon as they join their club. The pledge is as follows:
“As
a true 4-Her 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.”
How
old must I be to join?
Any youth from the ages of 9 as of January 1st of the current year to age 19
before January 1st of the current year, is able to join a 4-H club.
However, younger youth (ages 5 to 9)
can join 4-H as Clover Buds, otherwise known as Primaries.
What can a younger
member do in 4-H?
The Clover Buds, ages 5-9, participate in activity-based learning.
Curriculum is based on age-appropriate research and involves cooperative,
experiential, and non-competitive activities.
How can I show off?
One opportunity is public presentations. Every
year all the 4-Hers are given the opportunity and encouraged to participate in public
presentations when they prepare a talk or demonstration about anything they
are interested in and present it to a group of their peers.
This gives the children the opportunity to show off something they like,
while developing their ability to talk in front of a group.
There
are also opportunities such as a fashion revue where 4-Hers make their
own clothing and get a chance to have it judged, and then model it.
And of
course there is always the San Mateo County Fair.
Every August, members enter the projects on which they have spent the
year developing. These can be
animals, food, crafts, clothing, flowers, vegetables, and so much more.
We hold our general meetings (which are mandatory) on the second Tuesday of each
month. We also send out a newsletter
via email each month discussing various events and activities.
Can 4-H club members
raise different animals, or no animal at all?
While 4-H has agricultural roots, 4-Hers no longer need to be involved with
animals or farming in order to participate.
The variety of animals is dependent on the club volunteers and their expertise
at the time. In recent years Belmont 4-Hers have raised rabbits, poultry, goats,
sheep, and steers.
Is there a 4-H
uniform?
There is a 4-H uniform, which consists of white pants, a white shirt with a
green tie or scarf, and a 4-H hat. We
generally wear these for dress occasions only.
Do you have to be a
certain religion to be in 4-H?
4-H welcomes all youth (and adult volunteers) from all backgrounds, regardless
of religion, ethnic group, national origin, gender, or physical or mental
ability.
Who
runs 4-H?
The
United States 4-H program is run through county Cooperative Extension offices,
the University of California, the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), and a variety of volunteer councils and foundations at the county,
state, and national levels..
Do
you have to join a club in the county/city you live in?
It is not required to join a club in your city/county.
Who Teaches the 4-H Projects?
Projects are led by parents, volunteers and in some
cases older 4-H'ers. Parents bring new ideas for projects every year, so
the project choices reflect the interests of our community. We have many
long-term volunteers who have been involved in 4-H much of their lives, and even
when their own kids may have grown up still lend their skills and
enthusiasm. High school age 4-H'ers have the opportunity to demonstrate
their teaching and organizational skills as a junior project leader.
All volunteers are required to complete County sponsored training and background
checks.
How
does adult volunteering help 4-H members?
An adult can contribute to the 4-H in many different ways. Many adults choose to
help 4-H as a club leader, managing a club and allowing youth to pursue their
interests with guidance.
Others adults choose to help clubs with projects, lend
their personal expertise, judge or chair exhibits at fairs, volunteer at
different 4-H event, or even help the county agent with paperwork or other
tasks. The possibilities are endless.
Volunteers help keep the 4-H program in motion,
contributing their time and dedication to the education of 4-H members.
How do I become a volunteer?
Our club is always looking for new helping hands.
If you would like to become a volunteer, please contact us.
How is 4-H funded?
The
4-H Program is supported through both public and private funds at the county,
state and national levels. The
United States 4-H program is run through county Cooperative Extension offices,
the University of California, the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), and a variety of volunteer councils and foundations at the county,
state, and national levels.
The public funds that the 4-H program receives from the county, state and the federal government provide the salary and support of personnel. These sources do not adequately support the educational programs and activities of the county program. Funds must be secured from private resources to augment the county 4-H educational programs and activities for youth. If you would like to donate either money or resources, please contact us.
How
much does it cost me? Do I have to pay for the projects / classes?
It all depends on what you do. There is a small County registration fee at
the beginning of the year to participate in the club. Members are
responsible for covering the costs of their own project materials (so, if you
are raising rabbits, you will buy your own rabbit and feed, etc.).
What are the goals of the 4-H
program?
The goals of the 4-H program are to help youth:
§
Develop initiative and assume responsibility
§
Develop leadership and be of service to others
§
Develop the ability to live and work cooperatively
with others
§
Acquire knowledge and skills and explore careers
§
Achieve satisfaction from work and accomplishments
§
Choose from alternatives and plan satisfying lives
§
Develop positive self images