What is 4-H?

4-H is a non formal, educational program for youth, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender or handicap.

How old do you have to be to be a 4-H member?

Eligibility for 4-H membership begins when a child is age 5 and is enrolled in kindergarten as of January 1 of the current year (CloverKids). The 5-8 year old's are considered Cloverkids (mini-4-Her's) that don't compete at the level of traditional 4-Her's but they participate in meetings, projects, and special camps. Delaware County has 1 CloverKid club currently located in the Manchester area.

How do I get involved in 4-H?

Call Michaela at the Delaware County Extension Office (563) -927-4201 or collinsm@iastate.edu to learn how your child can join 4-H and how you can contribute as a 4-H volunteer.

What is the difference between a community club and a specialty club?

A community club is a general 4-H club that meets throughout the year and has no special focus. They will often have members of all different types of interest groups. Specialty groups meet to focus on one topic and often improve their skills in that topic. Delaware County has 3 specialty clubs including 4-H Archery and Fishing, 4-H Nifty Needlers and the 4-H Hawk Engineers.

The 4-H Archery and Fishing club meets and goes fishing or practices archery. During the winter they are able to meet at the Delaware County Recreation Center to practice their archery or they will go ice fishing. During the summer they meet at the Fish Hatchery and practice both outdoors.

The 4-H Nifty Needlers meet once a month and are a combination of a community club in the aspect they hold business meetings as well as project meetings. They meet at the local business “The Stitching Post” for their project meetings.

The 4-H Hawk Engineers is our lego league club that gets together and works towards a competition with their robots made of legos. This is a very popular 4-H club throughout Iowa and Delaware County is in on the fun!

How often does a club meet?

Most of the community clubs in Delaware County meet once a month depending on the leader and the member's schedules. Some of the speciality clubs meet less often than the community clubs.

Is there a cost to be in 4-H?

There is a $30 cost per year, but the food stand from the Delaware County Fair generously pays $20 of that fee so the fee is only $10 per member per year.

What do 4-H Members do at meetings?

4-H members usually do four general kinds of things at club meetings: business, educational, social and service activities. Each club will differ somewhat and going to visit multiple clubs before joining one is completely okay!

What does a 4-H project cost?

The total cost to complete a 4-H project varies a great deal. A member enrolled in foods might use supplies from around the home (to practice the skills being learned) and have no direct expense. A member who buys and keeps a Horse might invest hundreds of dollars, same as any Market Animal such as: Beef, Poultry, Hogs, Sheep, Goats, etc. Leaders, parents and members should discuss costs when projects are selected.

What does the four H's stand for?

Head, Heart, Hands and Health.

The 4-H Pledge states:
I pledge My Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service and
My Health to better living, for
My Club, My Community, My Country and My World.

Are 4-H members expected to do their own project work?

Yes, with help. 4-H is a learn-by-doing program. Leaders, teen leaders or parents may tell or show a member how, but members are expected to do the work themselves.

Do members have to participate in county judging to complete their projects?

No. Members are not required to exhibit their work or participate in competition in order to complete their 4-H project. However, participation in competitive activities and exhibits is encouraged and educational, recognition and public awareness opportunity. Fair premiums, ribbons and other award incentives and symbols of recognition are given in many counties for those who choose to participate. Also, you could win a chance to compete at the State level at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.