4-H Brings Families Together

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4-H gives families a way to grow together. Families who plan, share, and work together develop a sense of unity–a feeling of being a productive team.

When you are a 4-H family team, you have opportunities to recognize and expand the strengths, talents and skills of each family member, which contributes to increased feelings of self-worth.

Self-esteem is crucial to the healthy development of young people, as well as to the healthy functioning of families. You will find a place to develop these skills and feelings in 4-H.

Some leadership roles available to parents in 4-H club work are:

• Parents’ Committee Members
• New Family Coordinators
• Project Leaders
• Organization Leaders
• Helpers

4-H is for all boys and girls and their families.  4-H is one of the world’s largest youth organizations. Five million boys and girls in the United States belong; it is active in 71 countries.

Key persons in helping boys and girls in local 4-H groups are the adults and older teen volunteers. These volunteers–most of them parents–contribute their time and share their interests and talents. Support by parents is important to the success of any 4-H group.

From Rabbits to Rockets... From Cooking to Computers...Program and project materials for more than 50 subject areas are designed to meet the wide range of interests among today’s young people. Be selective as you and your child explore the activity that best meets your needs.

Avenues of Participation:    One of the advantages of the 4-H Youth Program is its flexibility. There are many ways in which youngsters can be involved in 4-H, including:

• 4-H Clubs
• 4-H special interest or teen groups such as teen leader clubs, babysitting and lawnmower clinics
• 4-H camps, workshops, and conferences
• 4-H enrichment programs/materials for teachers to use in school classrooms

Al Davis, al.davis@oznet.ksu.edu
County Extension Agent, 4-H
Johnson County, Kansas
Kansas State University Research and Extension