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Lincoln County 4-H
What is 4-H?
The Wisconsin 4-H State website is the prefect spot to find out all the details about the 4-H program. If you're looking for a quick rundown, here's a start:
Lincoln County 4-H is...
Wisconsin 4-H Information
4-H Symbols
The 4-H Family
4-H In the World, U.S.A., Wisconsin and Lincoln County
Lincoln County 4-H Youth Development Program
Youth Opportunities
Older Youth Trips and Awards
4-H International Opportunities
Some Highlights of 4-H History

Lincoln County 4-H is...
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.
Lincoln County 4-H...
- reaches rural and urban boys and girls
- is an education to manage your life.
- provides varying and enriching experiences.
- is a unique education - not duplicated, individual member interests - determine projects to be taken.
- helps youth with career awareness.
- helps youth develop the life skills through project activities and record keeping.
- recognizes youth and encourages them to try harder.
- helps youth learn about government.
- is an organization of and by youth.
- helps youth learn to govern themselves.
- is a family affair - it has parental support.
- benefits the family - parents and youth build together.
- adult leaders are concerned about the development of youth.
- has qualified people leading projects and activities.
- provides the self-satisfaction of working with others.
- is a continuous year-round program.
- provides community service benefits.
- is an up-to-date organization in its programs.
- has support from the University of Wisconsin for programs.
- is government supported - county, state, federal.
- is supported by donors involved at local, state, and national levels, who all believe in the benefit of 4-H.

What is 4-H
     What is 4-H Youth Development?
University of Wisconsin-Extension programs in 4-H Youth Development give young people opportunities to learn new skills, gain self-confidence and contribute to their communities. Backed by the knowledge and research base of the University of Wisconsin, 4-H Youth Development educators design educational, leadership and citizenship experiences for youth. These programs are delivered directly through more than 20,000 adult volunteers in neighborhood 4-H clubs or groups and by collaborating with other local organizations.
In Wisconsin 4-H is a youth organization that belongs to the members, their families and other interested adults who serve as volunteer leaders. Professional leadership is given by Cooperative Extension faculty of the University of Wisconsin. Support for 4-H programs is a joint effort of local county government, the University of Wisconsin, the United States Department of Agriculture and county leaders’ association.
The purpose of 4-H is to provide real life experiences for youth through a fun and practical, learn-by-doing, educational program and to provide opportunities for adults to work with youth in their development.
     What are the goals of UW-Extension programs for young people?
4-H Youth Development programs are designed to achieve specific outcomes for youth.
- Develop capable and responsible young people. Create community partnerships with meaningful roles for young people. Prepare youth for work.
- Enable youth to deal with violence in their communities.
     What does 4-H Youth Development do for kids?
4-H Youth Development programs teach young people to...
- Develop and test practical living skills in a safe and supportive “real world” environment. Become actively engaged in their communities and better informed about local issues. Prepare for the world of work through direct experience with projects and activities that correspond to future career opportunities. Experience success in a non-formal learning environment.
- Develop communication and problem-solving skills through public presentation and group work.
     What does 4-H Youth Development do for communities?
4-H Youth Development programs provide direct and tangible benefits to Wisconsin communities.
- More than 150,000 young people learn new skills and explore new ideas through Extension 4-H Youth Development programs in community clubs, schools, neighborhood centers, zoos and parks. Community clubs - more than 2,000 statewide – teach youth the value of civic contributions while engaging them in community service activities. Future community leaders receive training and practical experience in public leadership and democratic process as 4-H youth leaders.4-H is Wisconsin’s largest animal science education program for youth, with thousands of young people learning and practicing ethical approaches to animal care for both pets and production animals.Parents, community leaders and youth workers gain access to current information on youth development.Youth, volunteers, local organizations and governmental units engage in improving conditions and opportunities for young people.
- More than 15,000 Extension 4-H volunteers have learned to recognize and prevent child abuse.
     Who may join 4-H?
4-H is open to any youth within the grades of kindergarten to 13 (one year out of high school), regardless of race, color, creed, or religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, pregnancy, veteran’s status, non-job related conviction record or qualified disability. If you’re in kindergarten, first or second grade, you may participate in 4-H as a Cloverbud. Cloverbuds can participate in most
4-H projects and activities, including the county fair.
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4-H Symbols
4-H Pledge
Every club member and leader should be able to repeat from memory the National 4-H Club pledge. The pledge is said while recognizing the 4-H flag.
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.
In repeating the pledge, members raise their right hands to their foreheads when they say "my HEAD to clearer thinking." They lower them to their heart as they say "my HEART to greater loyalty". At the line "my HANDS to larger service" they extend their hands, palm upward, and at the last lines, they stand with their hands at their sides.
It is appropriate to begin or end 4-H club meetings and events with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the 4-H Pledge.
4-H Emblem
The 4-H Emblem is a green four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each leaflet. The H's stand for HEAD, HEART, HANDS, and HEALTH. The emblem is protected by copyright. Here is more information on how to correctly use the logo.
4-H Motto
"To make the Best Better"
4-H Slogan
"Learn by Doing"
4-H Colors
Green and white are the 4-H colors. The white background of the 4-H flag symbolizes purity; the green 4-H emblem is nature’s most common color in the great outdoors and is the color of springtime, life and youth.
4-H Creed
I believe in 4-H club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a useful citizen.
I believe in the training of my Head for the power it will give me to think, plan and reason.
I believe in the training of my Heart for the nobleness it will give me to become kind, sympathetic and true.
I believe in the training of my Hands for the ability it will give me to be helpful, useful, and skillful.
I believe in the training of my Health for the ability it will give me to enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work efficiently.
I believe in my country, my state, my community and in my responsibility for their development.
In all these things, I believe, and I am willing to dedicate my efforts to their fulfillment.
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The Family in 4-H
There are many ways for your family to be involved in 4-H. Be active in your club. Participate in club meetings, events and activities. There are many county events and activities as well that your family will enjoy. Watch for information in your county 4-H newsletter. Just a few of the many ways to get involved include:
- Speaking
- Demonstrations
- Camps
- Trips and tours
- 4-H project workshops
- County fair
Youth may need adult encouragement to stay involved in 4-H. Adults can help by:
- Sharing - Take an interest in a child’s 4-H projects and activities. Listen, look and offer your suggestions, but don’t “take over.” Learning by doing is the 4-H way. A child learns by his or her mistakes and successes.
- Preparing - Help a child understand the value of projects and presentations done well and on time. Help a child understand the importance of follow through.
- Being there - A child will gain more from 4-H by regular attendance at club meetings and involvement in 4-H activities. Attend meetings with them. Get to know the 4-H club leader. Lend a hand wherever you can.
Many adults become 4-H leaders when their children join 4-H. Leaders do appreciate any assistance parents can give. Your help can range from driving members to activities to supplying refreshments for club meetings. If you decide that you do want to become a leader, you will need to be approved through the Youth Protection process. Start by checking out the leadership page, then ask your club leader or contact the UW-Extension office for more information.

4-H in the World, U.S.A., Wisconsin, and Lincoln County
4-H started out as corn clubs for boys and canning clubs for girls. They were organized early in this century by public school educators who wanted to broaden the knowledge and experience of their students. 4-H became an official part of the Cooperative Extension Service in 1914. By the mid 1920’s, 4-H was well on its way to becoming a significant national program for youth. 4-H is an American idea that has spread around the world. Throughout its long history, 4-H has constantly adapted to the ever-changing needs and interests of youth.
4-H programs are conducted in over 3,000 counties of the United States, as well as District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and The Virgin Islands. More than 80 countries around the world have youth programs similar to 4-H, with an overall enrollment of about 10 million young people.
4-H In Wisconsin
Headquarters -- Madison, WI
Total youth participants 145,000+
Activities include:
State 4-H and Youth Conference
State Groups (Music, Drama, Photography, Art and more!)
Leaders' Council
State Fair
Area Animal Science Days
Many scholarships, trips, honors
The University of Wisconsin-Extension specialists include professors in every area of
4-H work. All provide training to local leaders when arranged. The 4-H literature is authorized by a committee for use to support 4-H projects throughout the state.
4-H In Central District
Stevens Point, WI -- Headquarters
There are twelve counties in the Central District.
Taylor, Langlade, Marathon, Wood, Portage, Waupaca, Juneau, Adams, Waushara, Marquette, Green Lake and Lincoln Counties.
Activities include
Leader Training
Leaders' Council
American Spirit Leadership Experience
4-H In Lincoln County
Merrill, WI -- Headquarters
Participants:
Total youth participants 1,500+
In community program 400+
Special interest 400+
In school enrichment programs 700+

Lincoln Country 4-H Youth Development Program Components
Lincoln County 4-H Leaders Association, Inc.
Lincoln County 4-H Leaders Association, Inc. is made up of all registered leaders, adult and youth grades 8th and over. The association meets once a year usually in November/December. At this time the yearly financial report and budget are approved, and election of board of directors and fair board members take place. The Leaders Association, Inc. is the overall governing body for the Lincoln County 4-H program.
The Board Of Directors consists of no less than seven (7) and no more than eleven (11) directors. The Board of Directors shall include not less than two youth directors who are in 8th grade and older in the year of their election to the Board of Directors. Adult directors serve for two year terms and youth directors serve for one year terms. Members of the Board of Directors make a commitment to the county leaders and 4-H families to serve as a liaison, and act on their behalf in decision making policies. They usually meet once a month and assist in planning and making decisions for carrying out the 4-H program.
No less than seven (7) and no more than nine (9) members of the Leaders Association, Inc., including one member of the Board of Directors, make up the 4-H Fair Board. The Fair Board conducts, manages and controls the affairs and business of the annual fair, but are accountable to the Board of Directors. They usually meet once a month, but may meet more frequently as the fair date approaches. In addition, they usually meet 2-3 times a year with the Board of Directors.
Educational Support
4-H Youth Dev. Educator
Ag, Livestock Educator
Family Living Educator
Community Development Educator
Administrative Support Staff
University Extension
Education Committee
Lincoln County Board of Supervisors
University of WI-Extension
United States Department of Agriculture
Community 4-H
4-H Members
Parents - Families
Club Organizational Leaders
Project/Activity Leaders
Key Leaders
Adult & Youth Volunteers
Special Emphasis and Short Term Programs
Safety Day Camp
Environmental Education
School Enrichment
Community Youth Groups
Project and Activity Key Committees
Several County Project And Activity Committees exist in the Lincoln County 4-H program. These committees are responsible for planning and carrying out one particular project or activity. Youth and adults volunteer for these committees at various times during the year and the number of times they meet depends on the committee.
Local Community Resources and Support
Service Clubs
Financial Institutions
Cooperatives
Various Businesses
Adult & Youth Volunteers
Not In Community 4-H
Adult & Youth Volunteers
In Community 4-H

Youth Opportunities
The Lincoln County 4-H program provides 4-H youth with numerous opportunities to learn, improve and practice important life skills. Click on the links below to find out more information on what is available.
     Lincoln County 4-H Activities
     Older Youth Trips
     Older Youth Awards
     4-H International Opportunities

Some Highlights of 4-H History
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