What is 4-H?
4-H is the Cooperative Extension System’s dynamic and educational program for youth. 4-H has about 6 million youth members across the United States. The name 4-H is summarized as the four-fold development of youth through the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.In 4-H, young people complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. The group is open to youth between the ages of 5 and 18. Young people experience 4-H in every county in the country!
How to get involved:
- Join a 4-H club in your area!
- Are you a teen? Join our Pitt County 4-H County Council !
- Start a 4-H club – all you need are 5 youth from 3 families, and 1 adult leader!
- Join a special interest project group that explores a topic for a short time.
- Join as an individual and do a project of your choice. See Project Guide Book
- Attend 4-H Summer Fun camps!
- Look for 4-H in your school!
- Are you a teacher or homeschool parent? We have 4-H curriculum and educational kits available!
- Adults can get involved too! Contact the 4-H office to learn more about Volunteering with 4-H.
Our Mission:
The mission of 4-H is to help youth grow and develop through learn-by-doing experiences. The mission of North Carolina Cooperative Extension is "to help create prosperity for North Carolina through programs and partnerships focused on agriculture and food, health and nutrition, and 4-H youth development.
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.
4-H Motto:
"To Make the Best Better"
4-H Slogan:
Learn by doing.
4-H is for Everyone!
Do you like learning new and exciting things? Spending time with friends and meeting new people? Working with your hands? Enjoy activities like riding horses, cooking new foods, science, and technology projects, being outside? Then 4-H is for you!
What is 4-H?
4-H is an organization for youth ages 5-18 who enjoy “learning by doing.” The four pillars are STEM, Agriculture, Healthy Living, and Civic Engagement. The possibilities are endless. You choose what you want to learn about in 4-H.
Why Join 4-H?
Are you all about competition and awards? Do you prefer working cooperatively and being recognized for your work? Are you one who would rather work alone? We have it all, and in 4-H we work to build people so don’t worry about making mistakes – we learn by doing! Our motto is “To Make the Best Better.”
4-H offers opportunities for youth and adults to develop self-esteem and experience feelings of success and achievement. There are county, district, state, and national events and awards, including college scholarships!
Where and When to 4-H Clubs Meet?
The time and place, as well as the frequency, varies with each group. You will determine what is best for you. Some clubs meet once a month, while others meet more often during a specific project, such as target sports or livestock. Meetings can be held in places including homes, community buildings, churches, or schools.
Who are the 4-H Leaders?
Volunteers are the heart of 4-H. All volunteers must pass a background check and successfully complete training on working with youth and creating a safe environment. Volunteers receive additional training relevant to the 4-H activities they lead.
The Pitt County 4-H Program is coordinated by the 4-H Agent, Lauren Dail, and 4-H Program Assistant, Claudia Segovia. They can be reached at 252-902-1709 or by email.
How do I Join 4-H?
Enroll in 4-H for free!
Contact your 4-H Agent to get connected with local programs.
Pitt County 4-H Agent: Lauren Dail
lsdail2@ncsu.edu | 252-902-1709
4-H is the largest youth development organization in the United States, with over 7 million participants. In North Carolina, 4-H equips more than 262,200 young people each year with the skills to succeed and improve the world around them. 4-H programs and camps encourage young people to “learn by doing,” helping them to develop into active, contributing citizens. NC State Extension and the Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University coordinate 4-H programs statewide.