Everyone benefits through 4-H! 4-H is a youth development organization that helps young people develop skills they will use for the rest of their life. Skills like knowing ho wto run a meeting, being able to express opinions in front of a group, how to set goals, how to plan and organize. Through the 4-H club experience members gain self confidence, develop responsibility and have a chance to explore all kinds of interest that mihgt develop into lifelong hobbies or a career. A Snapshot of 4-H Projects will give you a quick look at the interesting things members can do and learn in 4-H.

What do families like most about 4-H?

• The whole family can participate. Brothers, sisters, moms, dads, and sometimes even grandparents get involved.
• Everyone goes to the same meeting, on the same night.
• It's a great way to get to know others in your community.

County and Club Requirements

4-H, like any other group you might join, has minimum expectations for being a member. Each year members are expected to:

• Attend at least 5 community club meetings - county meetings held on the same night as the community club meeting also count.
• Give a demonstration or talk - Cloverbuds and Explorers may complete this expectation through a show and tell format. It may only be 30 seconds the first year but hopefully by the time members are in 4-H for many years they will do a full fledged demonstration or talk. Starting early is the best way to become confident in speaking in front of a group.
• Publicly display what was learned in each 4-H project - For many members this means exhibiting at the County Fair. Other options are available if you are unable to participate in the fair.
• Complete a self-evaluation for each project. The purpose is to have members reflect on what they did and learned in 4-H. The self-evaluation could be an official 4-H record book, it could be a scrapbook, a vide, a taped interview, a story, etc.

What are 4-H Parents expected to do?

• Help member select the right projects.
• Help to provide financial aid in starting projects.
• Give encouragement and supervision with projects.
• Provide a place for records and other club materials in the home.
• Help members set standards of sportsmanship and honesty
• Be willing to help when called on by the 4-H club.

Adult 4-H Leaders must complete the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Protection Program which includes:

• Completing a volunteer application with permission to conduct a background check. Upon official unrollment, background checks are resubmitted every five years.
• Attending a two hour New Leader Orientation.
• Annually submitting a volunteer expectation behavior form along with the leader enrollment materials.

The St. Croix County 4-H Policy describes in full detail the requirements for clubs, membership, project enrollment, member successful completion, awards and trips, and special activities.

If your family would like to be contacted about joining 4-H, please email us at info AT stcroixcounty4-h.org for more information.