4-H Youth Development

4-H, your first class at the University of New Hampshire

4-H is the youth educational program of UNH Cooperative Extension. The mission of 4-H is to help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills and form attitudes to enable them to become self directing, productive and contributing members of society. 4-H emphasizes the importance of involving youth in the learning process. It is offered free of charge to youth ages 5-18. Youth from all cultural and economic backgrounds get involved in 4-H fun and learning. Members and volunteers live in towns, cities, farms, and suburbs.

The 4-H emblem is a four-leaf clover with an "H" in every leaf. The letters stand for HEAD, HEART, HANDS, and HEALTH; the foundation of all 4-H programs. Through 4-H programs youth develop:

• HEAD - clearer thinking and decision making, knowledge useful through life;
• HEART - greater loyalty, strong personal values, positive self-concept, concern for others;
• HANDS - larger service, workforce preparedness, useful skills, science and technology literacy;
• HEALTH - better living, healthy lifestyles.

4-H helps young people:

• become creative and productive citizens
• develop positive leisure time activities
• create a lifelong desire for knowledge
• foster positive self esteem
• build leadership potential
• become involved in communities
• explore interests and try new skills

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.

The 4-H Motto

To make the best better

The 4-H Vision

New Hampshire 4-H Youth Development envisions a world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change.

Mission Statement

New Hampshire 4-H Youth Development, a program of UNH Cooperative Extension, empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

Values of 4-H Youth Development

We believe that youth development is the focus of everything we do. We believe partnerships are essential to successful youth development. We believe that volunteerism is fundamental. We believe in the strength attained from diversity across the entire range of 4-H experiences.