What is 4H

When you hear the word 4H, do you think of kids from the farm? 4H is a program for youth ages 5-19. 4H got it's start in 1908 by the United States Department of Agriculture. Now it can be found in over 80 countries and every county in Michigan.

4H is just not about animals

4H has rural and urban kids that take part in not only the livestock area but also food and nutrition, shooting sports, crops, sewing, animal science, public speaking just to name a few. 4H members have the chance to participate in workshops, there you can learn in areas of a project or learn leadership skills. Many teens become teen leaders, they help the younger and new 4H members. There is summer camp, for our younger members, 5-8 year old, we have the Cloversprout Camp. This camp is a day camp and they learn about the outdoors and camping. This is held at the Isabella County 4H Camp at Coldwater Lake. Once you become 10-13 years old you can attend a three day overnight camp. Campers have activities such as horseback riding, swimming, canoeing and of course campfire songs.

Do you know you can travel too?

4H has travel opportunities too, there is the WOW (Wonders of Washington). This is a three day trip to the National 4H Center in Chevy Chase Maryland. From there 13-16 years old get to tour Washington DC and the historical sites.

CWF ( Citizenship Washington Focus)
This trip is a six day at the National 4H Center for the ages of 15-19 year old. On this trip you will learn about the nation's government and yes you get to tour the historical sites.

National Congress
If you are between the age of 15-19 then you might want to look in going to Atlanta Georgia. There you will focus on community service and leadership skills.

Interstate Exchange
Would you like to travel to another state and stay with another 4H family for a week? Then this might be what you are looking for. If you are 13-19 years old you can learn what 4H is like in another state and make long lasting friendship.

International Exchange
Would you like to travel to Japan, Mexico or other countries? This trip can last as long as a few weeks to a few months.

Other Opportunities

If traveling is not your bag, then how about being a summer camp counselor if you are between the ages of 15-19, it looks good on a resume and it's lots of fun.
If you are 12-19 years old you may like to work with the cloversprouts at the day camp. There are a number of opportunities in 4H, the above is only a small part. Contact your local leader or County Extension if you would like to know further.

One final thought on what is 4H

You do not need an animal to be in 4H, you do not need to live on a farm but you do need a positive attitude, the willingness to learn new projects, meet new people and to do some type of community service and most of all have a big smile and have fun.