4-H Youth Program

Last updated on December 1, 2011

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H provides real-life experiences & leadership opportunities for youth through fun and practical, learn-by-doing, educational programs. 4-H members get involved in their communities as volunteers and youth leaders. 4-H is open to any youth within the grades of 1-13.

Description:
4-H is a chance for families to work together at setting, implementing, and following through on goals as well as an outreach educational program for youth, both boys and girls.
Volunteer adult & youth 4-H leaders lead workshops to share knowledge with young people, chaperone field trips and leadership conferences, work in partnership (adults and youth) to lead 4-H clubs, activities and events, and help plan and conduct events.

All adult 4-H Youth Development Volunteers working with youth are required to complete the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Protection program.
4-H members 4-H members participate in a club and enroll in projects. They keep records of their project work, give demonstrations and talks, attend project training and exhibit their work at the Amherst and Rosholt Fairs. They may also attend camps and workshops, take part in other community development work, exhibit at the state fair, participate in trips and get involved in youth development activities.

4-H is open to all youth regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental status.

History:
4-H started out as corn clubs for boys and canning clubs for girls. They were organized early in this century by public school educators who wanted to broaden the knowledge and experience of
their students. 4-H became an official part of the Cooperative Extension Service in 1914. By
the mid 1920's 4-H was well on its way to becoming a significant national program for youth. 4-H
is an American idea that has spread around the world. Throughout its long history, 4-H has constantly adapted to the ever-changing needs and interests of youth.

The 4-H movement in Portage County was started by Harrison R. Noble in 1923, when he was the County Agricultural Agent. The seeds of 4-H were planted in 1923 when Mr. Noble distributed soybean seed to 300 Portage County school children for planting in their home gardens.

By 1925, the county had 425 4-H members. Demonstration teams were organized to represent the county.

The 4-H movement is credited with introducing bacon hog production to Portage County in the 1920's. Through pig clubs, grade and purebred Yorkshire gilts were placed in the hands of boys and girls, and purebred boars and sows were also brought in.

Contact person: Connie Creighton, 4-H Youth Development Agent, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (715) 346-1323

Address:

817 Whiting Ave. Stevens Point, WI 54481 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/portage/4h/index.html

Last updated on December 1, 2011