About 4-H
What is 4-H
4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in the United States involving more than 6.5 million young people and 540,000 youth and adult volunteers. The focus is on helping youth learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills by participating in projects and service.
Membership is open to any youth when he/she is in at least 9 years of age and is not older than 21 within the current 4-H year, which runs from October 1 – September 30. The Cloverbud program is open to youths ages 5-7 years of age. On a local level 4-H offers community clubs, specialty clubs, cloverbud clubs, county camp(s), club outings, Achievement Banquet, and more! In 4-H youth socialize, learn, and develop life skills in a safe, educational atmosphere. Studies show that 4-H members:
- do better in school
- are more motivated to help others
- feel safe to try new things
- achieve a sense of self-esteem
- develop lasting friendships
4-H…The Power of Youth
Putnam County has over 400 4-H’ers enrolled in 22 traditional community clubs, and over 500 youth receive 4-H programs in their schools. 4-H is for any boy or girl from third grade through age 21 (there is also a Clover Bud program for children in kindergarten through second grade) regardless of race, color, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin.
4-H’ers learn leadership skills and how to run a meeting through club programs under the careful leadership of trained adult volunteers. Youth participate in special activities such as monthly skating parties, talent shows, public presentation contests, conservation program, field trips, weekend camps, and community service projects. They participate in Adopt-A-Highway, the Putnam County Fair, and many other community service events.
Each 4-H’er is encouraged to take and complete at least one project. The project book is provided at no cost. The project is exhibited at the county fair. There are no dues, no uniforms, nor fees to belong to a 4-H club.
All Putnam County youth, ages 9-21 are invited to attend Putnam County 4-H Camp, a week-long residential camp held at Camp Virgil Tate near Cross Lanes, the end of June each summer.
4-H in Putnam County is sponsored by West Virginia University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Putnam County Commission, and Putnam County Board of Education.