4-H

  In the later part of the 1890's, Liberty Hide Baily of Cornell University linked youth to nature and the rural environment. To further encourage vocational agriculture in schools, in the year of 1901, A. B. Graham (a school principal in Ohio), began to promote out-of-school “clubs.” Graham created a group of boys and girls with officers, projects, meetings, and record requirements and he wanted help from the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station and Ohio State University. These clubs became to be known as 4-H clubs.

  The clubs were first adopted in Iowa by O. H. Benson in Wright County and Jesse Field Shambaugh in Page County. Benson designed a three leaf clover design with the help of Field. John F. Haines introduced corn clubs and corn-growing contests in Hamilton County, Indiana. Cap. E. Miller's plans harvested many teaching tools used in today's 4-H program, including life skills, projects, group meetings, and exhibits. Community service projects offered active learning experiences between youth and adults and encouraged youth to set and accomplish goals. In York County, Nebraska, E. C. Bishop was encouraging work with corn growing, sewing, and baking projects. The purpose of the Nebraska Associations was “... to educate the youth of the county, town , and city a knowledge of their dependence on nature's resources, and to the value of the fullest development of hand, head, and heart....”

  A major focal point of 4-H is that it's basic purpose is the personal growth of each member. 4-H projects are used as important means for achievement and growth. Through 4-H, members build skills they can use for the rest of their lives. The education experiences of 4-H are built around life skills that center on positive self-esteem, communication, and decision-making. 4-H also instills such great skills as Citizenship and leadership, learning how to learn, and the ability to cope with change into its members. These many skills are built into 4-H projects, activities, and events that help participants become contributing, productive, self-directed members of a fast forward-moving society.

  4-H celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1952 and as a token of gratitude to what 4-H has done to the youth of America, a US commemorative stamp was issued.

  Today, after more than 100 years, 4-H offers youth opportunities in communications, leadership, career development, livestock, home improvement, and computer technology to 7 million American youth. Programs are found in rural and urban areas throughout the country and similar programs around the world. 4-H will continue to grow and develop with the head, heart, hands, and health of youth.