So what is 4-H anyway?

CHRISTIAN COUNTY — What exactly is 4-H? Have you ever seen their logo and wonder what does that mean?

It is a national youth organization for ages 8-18 and provides opportunities for youth development and educational opportunities.

Their logo depicts a four leaf clover with four letter H’s inside. Each letter “H” represents part of their pledge.

The Michigan State University Extension published a great explanation of their motto below: “The four leaf clover with four letters stands for Head, Heart, Hands and Health.

Head stands for clearer thinking – 4-H allows youth to be actively engaged in their own learning, making them participants, rather than recipients, in the learning process.

Heart stands for heart to greater loyalty – In 4- H, youth are taught to be reliable and loyal in their heart and understand what it means to take responsibility for their projects and to follow through.

Hands stands for hands for larger service – 4-H’ers are busy with their hands all year long learning new things and caring for their projects with hands-on experiences. They also give back to their community.

Health stands to health to better living – Knowing how to cook and grow food and appreciate art allows 4-H’ers to gain an understanding of how the world works and how to live healthy. Projects such as photography, canning, arts and crafts, sewing, collections and cooking help youth realize what it takes to have a healthy lifestyle and how to spend their leisure time.” By put- ting all the “H”’s together, you get 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.
For more information about 4-H contact the Christian County

Extension Office at 217-287-7246.