Frequently Asked Questions
General 4-H Questions:
  1. What is 4-H?
  2. What do the Four "H's" stand for?
  3. Where did the 4-H Clover originate?
  4. What is the 4-H Pledge?
  5. What is the 4-H Slogan?
  6. What is 4-H today?
Scott Achievers 4-H Club Questions:
  1. What are the club requirements for completion?
  2. What do members receive if they complete?
  3. What are the committees?  What do they do?

What is 4-H?
As a member of 4-H, you get to work with adults and teen volunteers to learn and build skills in interesting areas.  Did you know that 4-H is the largest youth organization in Indiana and the nation?

You can choose from more than 50 projects including:
You'll learn many skills that will help you to become a better person.  It doesn't matter what your interests are, because there are projects for everyone!
This is your chance to help give back to your community, your state, and your world!

What do the Four "H's" stand for?

It wasn't until 1907 when Jessie Field Shambaugh, from Page county, and superintendent of Wright County Schools, O.H. Benson, started using a three-leaf clover for the identity of boys' and girls clubs. The 3 H's were for;

It wasn't until 1911 when O.H. Benson worked in Washington D.C. that the idea of the four-leaf clover came into play. He suggested the fourth "H” to stand for

Those are the four H'S on the four-leaf clover.

 

Where did the 4-H Clover originate?

Club work for rural youth was organized many years before the term “4-H" or before the four ­leaf clover emblem were used. In the early years, 4-H's foundation can be found in the public school system. The 4-H emblem is one of the most highly recognized logos in the world and got its start from a small town in Iowa named Clarion, and went something like this.....

One sunny June morning in 1906 at a one-room country school near Clarion Iowa, 11 pupils spent their recess outside searching for four-leaf clovers. They had plucked seven clovers when the Superintendent of Schools drove up. At the teacher's suggestion, the children surrendered their good-luck charms and placed the seven clovers into the hands of the superintendent.

He said, 'I’ve been looking for an emblem for the agricultural clubs and the schools of the county, and you have just given me that emblem, the four-leaf clover: it will help explain to young and old the message of a four square education. 1/ (In those early days, 4-H was known as "four-square education,”  which was based upon educational, physical, moral, and fellowship development.)

 

What is the 4-H Pledge?

The 4-H pledge was officially adopted at the first National 4-H Camp (similar to a national conference) in 1927. Originally written by Otis Hall, state leader of Kansas, it was fine tuned by Dr. R.A. Pearson, president of Iowa State College, and Dr. A.C. True of the Federal Extension Service, and submitted mostly as written to the National 4-H Camp. The wording adopted for the whole country by the leaders in 1927 is that of today:

"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."

 

What is the 4-H Slogan?

4-H has had several slogans depending on the part of the county that you live in. Usually slogans are developed by members when planning club programs or activities. Some of the more common slogans are:

“Learn by doing.”

“To beat my own best record.”

“To win without bragging, lose without squealing.”

“Be your own best exhibitor.”

“Plan our work and work our plan.”

 

What is 4-H today?

Today, after more than 100 years, 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth program in the US - both in rural and urban areas throughout the country. It offers youth opportunities in communications, leadership, career development, animal and plant science, home improvement, and technology, and much more. The program promotes development of life skills through an expanding number of delivery modes: 4-H community clubs, special interest groups, EFNEP nutrition programs, school enrichment, camping, and more. 4-H will continue to grow and develop with the head, heart, hands, and health of youth.



What are the club requirements for completion?
The clubs By-Laws state that the following 5 activities must be achieved in order to complete the year:
  1. Pay required dues ($5)
  2. Give a demonstration at a club meeting
  3. Attend at least half of the year's business meetings (5 meetings in 2009)
  4. Exhibit at least one project at the county fair
  5. Participate in at least one club fundraiser
  6. Participate in at least one community service project

What do members receive if they complete?
If a member achieves the 5 activities listed above, they will be invited to an end of the year 'Completion Party.'  Each year, the 'Completion Party Committee' will decide what activity (at the club's expense) they would like to do for the Completion Party.


What are the committees?  What do they do?
Committee Responsibilities
Share the Fun  The committee will produce and plan a group skit for the county Share the Fun Contest.  All club members will be encouraged to participate, but the committee will decide on the topic and contents of the skit.
By-Laws  The committee will review the By-Laws and make recommendations for any changes deemed necessary.
Fundraiser  The committee will plan at least one fund raiser necessary to adequately fund the club's activities.
Community Service  The committee will plan and make arrangements for at least one community service activity.
Completion Party  The committee will plan, make arrangements, and get necessary funding for a completion party.
Fair Display  The committee will plan and set up a 4-H Club fair display at the Vanderburgh Co. Fair.