General 4-H Overview

Welcome to Kerr County 4-H!

We are proud to have 4 community clubs and 2 project clubs in Kerr County. Jennifer Smith is the Kerr County 4-H Agent.  Please feel free to contact the Kerr County Extension Office at 830-257-6568 to learn more about Kerr County 4-H.

The New Member’s Guide summarizes events, deadlines, projects, awards, etc… This document is helpful for families interested in the Kerr County 4-H program.

You can learn more about our clubs from this complete list of the clubs in Kerr County 4-H and how to get in contact with each club leader.

What is 4-H?

4-H is a nation-wide youth organization that promotes life-long learning and leadership through clubs, projects and other activities.

How do I participate in 4-H?

Enrollment in 4-H is accomplished by using 4H Online, which is an online system, and you can access your account or create an account by clicking on the link below. Enrollment in 4-H is by academic year (i.e. September 1 – August 31), and each member must enroll each year.  There is a $25.00 annual membership fee if you enroll by October 31st, and the membership fee increases to $30.00 if you enroll after October 31st, so it is to your advantage to enroll early!

4-H Connect

Click on the links below if you need help:

What are the age minimums for participating in Kerr County 4-H?

  • Clover Kids/Beginners: 1st and 2nd graders
  • Junior Members: 3rd – 5th graders
  • Intermediate: 6th – 8th graders
  • Senior: 9th – 12th graders

How will I know what is going on in Kerr County 4-H?

We will post information on this website, but we also produce a monthly newsletter that is e-mailed to all Kerr County 4-H families each month.  The newsletter is also available through 4-H Connect, and it is also on this website under 4-H>Newsletters.  Please be certain that the email address provided in 4-H Connect is the email address that you use most frequently. This is where the monthly newsletter will be sent.

What kinds of activities can I do in 4-H

The possibilities are endless, but a few of the activities Kerr 4-Hers are involved with are:

  • Showing/Raising Animals
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Fashion & Interior Design
  • Photography
  • Wool & Mohair Judging
  • Shooting Sports
  • Veterinary Science
  • Leadership
  • Robotics

If you want to start a project of your own, just contact our 4-H Agent, and we will be happy to provide you with whatever information that we can find.

Mission Of Texas 4-H

Prepare youth to meet the challenges of childhood, adolescence and adulthood, through a coordinated, long-term, progressive series of educational experiences that enhance life skills and develop social, emotional, physical and cognitive competencies.

What Is 4-H All About?

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is about having fun, learning, exploring and discovering. In 4-H, young people make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and help shape their communities.

More than 65,000 Texas youth are enrolled members of 4-H community clubs in Texas. Another 850,000 Texas youth get involved in 4-H through special educational opportunities at school, in after school programs, or at neighborhood or youth centers. These youth live in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural communities.

4-H gives them a chance to pursue their own interests  from photography to computers, from building rockets to raising sheep. A list of 4-H projects is available online. They go places to camp, to state and national conferences. They learn to be leaders and active citizens.

In 4-H clubs, they serve as officers and learn to conduct meetings, handle club funds, and facilitate group decision-making. In a growing number of communities, 4-H youth serve as youth representatives in municipal or county government or as members of Teen Courts. They give back to their communities. 4-H members get involved in volunteer projects to protect the environment, mentor younger children and help people who are less fortunate.

4-H TRADITIONS

 The History of the 4-H Clover and Emblem

 The first 4-H emblem was a three-leaf clover, introduced sometime between 1907 and 1908. The three represented head, heart and hands. In 1911, at a meeting of club leaders in Washington, a fourth representing health was added and the current 4-H four-leaf clover emblem was approved. It is protected by the U.S. Congress. More information on Clover logo usage is available.

The 4-H pledge was worded by Otis Hall, Kansas state 4-H leader. It was approved at the first National 4-H Club Camp in 1927 in Washington, D.C. The words my world were added to the pledge in 1973. Their addition is the only change ever made to the 4-H pledge.

HEAD stands for clearer thinking and decision-making. Knowledge that is useful throughout life.

HEART stands for greater loyalty, strong personal values, positive self concept, concern for others.

HANDS stands for larger service, workforce preparedness, useful skills, science and technology literacy.

HEALTH stands for better living, healthy lifestyles.

 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.

4-H Motto

To make the best better.

Note: All text in italics is taken directly from the Texas 4-H and Youth Development website. 

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