Figure 1.--Here we see a group of 4-H boys at the University of Florida at Gainesville. I'm not sure just what kind of event was underway. I think the Unversity ws offering short courses. Note that they are all wearing beanies.

The 4-H is not a uniformed youth group. It is, however a youth group of considerable importance. 4-H was a major youth movement in rural America. Although rural America has significantly declined in importance, there still are about 6 million young people involved in 4-H youth programs. Educators accross America began to organize programs for rural youth well before an actual national 4-H program was established. Progressive thinkers in America saw the need to better educate farmers and introduce increasingly sophisticated scientific findings into farm practices. This process began with the Morrill Act during the Civil War (1862). This established Federal Government support for Land Grant Unversities. Later in the 19th century educators saw the importance to promote nature study for students before the university level. This was considered to be an increasingly important part of a agricultural education. Education and community leaders began founding boys and girls clubs and leagues, commonly in schools and churches. Farmers Institutes began working with with school dictricts by sponsoring various contests, soil tests, and plant identification contests to build interest among young people. Young people were encouraged to take on projects, rather like science fair projects. These clubs and leagues after the turn of the 20th century began exhibited their projects. This "hands on" approach for 4-H was notble the the early origins of the movement. The "learning by doing" was persued from the onset. State organizations for these clubds began to appear. Parents commonly acted as volunteer leaders. County Extension agents provided materials and technicak advise. Parents began to see real practical benefits from these clubs and support began to grow. The use of the term "4-H Club" did not begin until several state organizations had appeared. The term "4-H" first appeared in a Federal Government bulletin written by Gertrude L. Warren in 1918. Clubs all over America took to the name and by 1925 it was in common use. The original objective of the 4-H program was to form boys and girls clubs across the United States in order to promote agricultural education. Over time 4-H has changed. It is no longer exclusively devoted to agriculture, but this remains an important focus. The overall objective has remained constant: "the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens".

Importance

4-H is a youth group of considerable importance. 4-H was a major youth movement in rural America. Although rural America has significantly declined in importance, there still are about 6 million young people involved in 4-H youth programs.

History

Unlike many youth groups, there is no single individual who founded the program. Rather 4-H was formed from cluns and leagues that were developed by many individuals and groups around the country. Only later was the group nsamed 4-H and a national organization set up. Educators accross America began to organize programs for rural youth well before an actual national 4-H program was established. Progressive thinkers in America saw the need to better educate farmers and introduce increasingly sophisticated scientific findings into farm practices. This process began with the Morrill Act during the Civil War (1862). This established Federal Government support for Land Grant Unversities. Later in the 19th century educators saw the importance to promote nature study for students before the university level. This was considered to be an increasingly important part of a agricultural education. Education and community leaders began founding boys and girls clubs and leagues, commonly in schools and churches. Farmers Institutes began working with with school dictricts by sponsoring various contests, soil tests, and plant identification contests to build interest among young people. Young people were encouraged to take on projects, rather like science fair projects. These clubs and leagues after the turn of the 20th century began exhibited their projects. This "hands on" approach for 4-H was notble the the early origins of the movement. The "learning by doing" was persued from the onset. State organizations for these clubds began to appear. Parents commonly acted as volunteer leaders. County Extension agents provided materials and technicak advise. Parents began to see real practical benefits from these clubs and support began to grow. The use of the term "4-H Club" did not begin until several state organizations had appeared. The term "4-H" first appeared in a Federal Government bulletin written by Gertrude L. Warren in 1918. Clubs all over America took to the name and by 1925 it was in common use. Rural youth club work in Iowa and many other states began several yeas before 4-H was actually founded. O.H. Benson, Wright County school superintendent, played a major role in popularizing the 4-H name and symbol. When visiting one of the one-room schools in his distrct (1906) he was presented with the four-leaf clovers the 11 children in the school had collected at recess.

Purpose

The original objective of the 4-H program was to form boys and girls clubs across the United States in order to promote agricultural education. Over time 4-H has changed. It is no longer exclusively devoted to agriculture, but this remains an important focus. The overall objective has remained constant: "the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens".

Program

There are a variety of ways in which to participate in 4-H. Most 4-H members participate through organized clubs. These are commonly sponsorsed by schools and churches. There are also 4-H special interest or short term-groups. Many rural schools have 4-H school enrichment programs. There is also 4-H instructional TV. 4-H also sponsors a summer camp program as well as a range of other activities and 4-H centers. Some young people living in isolated areas participate as individual members.

Uniform

The 4-H is not a uniformed youth group. We have noted 4-H members wearing beanies.