What is 4-H?

Young people participate in 4-H through clubs, special interest groups, after-school programs, camps and many other activities.  “Learning by Doing” through hands-on activities and community involvement empowers 4-H’ers to develop and strengthen life skills.  Although there are many common activities, each county in Tennessee has its own unique program and areas of emphasis.  4-H is a unique educational program for boys and girls in grades 4th through 12th.  4-H is open to everyone and provides equal opportunities in all programs.

History of 4-H   

4-H in Tennessee began in the early 1900’s as an educational program to help youth in rural areas develop skills in agriculture and home economics.  What began as a Corn Club for boys and a Canning Club for girls, soon expanded into many areas of agriculture and farm family activities.  As the youth development program of the University of Tennessee Extension Service, 4-H embodies a unique blending of county and community resources with research and teaching of Tennessee’s land-grant university.

Historically, membership in 4-H evoked images of farming activities, livestock, cooking, canning and county fairs.  However, over the years, 4-H has broadened to include all youth whether they live on a farm, a rural non-farm area, and a town or suburban area.  Today 4-H includes career fairs, service projects and involvement in the community, character building and much more.

4-H Pledge

I pledge my Head to clearer thinking,

my Heart to greater loyalty,

my Hands to larger service,

and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.