Work/Life/ 4-H
4-H streamlines itself
By Rosie Padilla
5 facts about 4-H
1. 4-H is a youth development program that aims to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility as well as life skills for young people through a variety of learning programs. 2. The 4-H motto is, “To Make the Best Better” while its slogan is “Learn by doing.” 3. A.B. Graham first established the youth program in Clark County, Ohio, in 1902, which is widely considered the birthplace of 4-H in the United States. 4. The 4-H clover pin with an H on each leaf was developed in 1910 by Jessie Field Shambaugh—by 1912 the program was known as the 4-H clubs. 5. The national 4-H organization was formed in 1914. health, science, agriculture, STEM, and civic engagement…They will also receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take proactive leadership roles.” Projects are offered throughout the school year and enrollment for certain projects is still open for members. There’s also a special effort to include kids from neighborhoods that traditionally haven’t been exposed to 4-H, including from Spanish-speaking households. Local adult volunteer leaders are needed in four subjects: animal science, civic engagement, healthy living and STEM. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. The Marin 4-H project catalog, compiled by the Marin staff of University of California Cooperative Extension, offers information on the wide array of classes that are available for little ones, including: sewing, cooking, crocheting, jam canning, dog training and raising beef cattle. The catalog also includes an events calendar and information on club meetings. “We’re letting families know about it because it’s a place where a child can find a spark,” said 4-H regional program coordinator Diego Mariscal. For more information visit cemarin.ucanr.edu .
A s part of its effort to streamline operations, the newly consolidated Marin 4-H Club is waiving its annual enrollment fee for the first 300 youth members and the first 75 adult volunteers. Now, instead of local 4-H programs being available through several regional clubs, there will be a one-year pilot for a countywide 4-H program geared toward ages 5 to 18, according to an announcement from the County of Marin. The fee holiday is made possible through a grant from the nonprofit Mirana Luz Foundation. Established in 1924 with its name in reference to “head, heart, hands and health,” 4-H programs aim to guide young people to get more involved 4-H members from San Pedro Elementary School in San Rafael.
with their local communities as well as assist them in skill development.
Today, the nonprofit
organization is largely funded by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and by state and local governments. According to the county announcement, “Youth 5-18 years old complete hands-on projects in areas such as
While 4-H isn’t only about agriculture and farming, showing livestock at the county fair is still a popular activity among members.
January 2024
NorthBaybiz 13
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