SIOUX COUNTY EXTENSION
Orange City, Iowa 51041
Phone: 712-737-4230
FAX: 712-737-3590
"SIOUX COUNTY 4-H - WHAT DO WE DO?"
LOTS of Things!
- 4-H is fun!
- 4-H is for all youth grades 4-12.
- 4-H is for adults.
- It is part of the Cooperative Extension, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Iowa State University, CSREES-United States Department of Agriculture.
This page will help you learn more about what 4-H is,
what emblem is used and other important facts.
What is the emblem of 4-H?
A green four-leaf clover with a white H on each leaf.
The official emblem is copyrighted and may be used only as approved by 4-H.
What do the four H's mean?
What is the 4-H motto?
To make the best--better.
What is the 4-H pledge?
I pledge:
My head to clearer thinking
My heart to greater loyalty
My hands to larger service
My health to better living
For my club, my community, my country and my world.
What do you learn in 4-H?
4-H participants learn practical skills such as fitness, meal preparation, rocket building, clothing care, animal and human nutrition, first aid, woodworking, gardening, and many other skills through the more than 50 project areas available.
Other skills that are defined as life skills are a part of every 4-H project. These skills are used every day of our lives and include:
- thinking critically, solving problems, respecting self, others and the environment
- communicating, preparing for a career, serving others, choosing healthy lifestyles
- managing change and challenges
Do you have to be a member to be a part of 4-H?
No. Many 4-H projects and programs are offered to all youth.
Do 4-H members have to pay dues?
There is a $20.00 per member state dues for those who belong to 4-H. Some groups charge a fee if they need money to help sponsor their activities. Dues may not be used to keep someone from joining 4-H, scholarships are available to qualifying families.
How do you join 4-H?
Contact the Sioux County Extension office serving you. The staff will help you find a local club, or help you start a new club. Call 712-737-4230 or email Cindy Cleveringa at clever@iastate.edu
Who leads a 4-H club?
Adult volunteers are the strength of the 4-H program. Interested adults (often parents or close friends of the youth) provide the leadership and organization of the club. Youth may be involved as leaders as well. Usually high school age teens interested in leadership, serve as a Youth Council member, dealing with county-wide activities for the county clubs.
Can an adult without a 4-H background be a leader?
Yes. 4-H projects include leader's guides that help adults work with youth, offering suggestions for meetings, activities, and other resources.
Are there other ways for adults to be involved in 4-H?
Yes. While the majority of the adult volunteers work directly with the youth as leaders, volunteers are also needed to serve on planning committees; as resource people for special projects, as fair superintendents; as donors; and to provide office assistance such as answering phones, helping with mailings and many other tasks.
Contact the Sioux County Extension office serving your county for more information.
Should parents be involved if they are not 4-H leaders?
Yes. 4-H is a family affair. Parents have lots of skills and expertise that they can share with youth (their own and others). Parents and other family members can help encourage the 4-H member, give advice, help the 4-H'er understand instructions, be sure the member gets to meetings on time, help member with time management in order to meet deadlines and many other things.
Are 4-H members expected to do their own project work?
Yes. 4-H is a learn-by-doing program. If help is needed, 4-H members may ask parents, friends or other family members for assistance.