What's 4-H?

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.

• 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

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.

To make the best better

4-H... A world leader in developing youth to become productive citizens and catalysts for positive change to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society.

The 4-H Youth Development program of UNH Cooperative Extension provides positive experiences for all youth and adults to develop their individual potential as caring and contributing members of an ever-changing world.

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.