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WHAT IS 4-H Arizona 4-H Youth Development provides opportunities for young people encouraging them to become capable, contributing members of our global society. The 4-H program is for all youth - from all racial, cultural, economic and social backgrounds. 4-H started as an agricultural learning resource for children of rural farming areas over 100 years ago and has grown into a national education program for urban, suburban and rural youth. 4-H Youth Development is a leader in non-formal, hands-on youth educational programs. 4-H is offered in nearly all 3,150 counties throughout the United States. Today there are more than 6 million youth enrolled in 4-H programs and over 45 million alumni across the nation. In 2004, Maricopa County had an enrollment of 15,992 members. Arizona's 4-H Youth Development Program is part of a national program administered by the nation's land-grant universities. The University of Arizona in Tucson is the land-grant university for Arizona. The University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences provides many programs to each county in the state through the Cooperative Extension. 4-H is the youth component of the Cooperative Extension program. In Maricopa County, the 4-H youth enrollment covers 9,000 square miles. The county is populated as follows: Farms: 1%
Towns under 10,000/rural: 14%
Towns/Cities 10,000 - 50,000: 13%
Suburbs over 50,000: 32%
Cities 50,000 or over: 40%
More than 100 educational projects are offered to 4-H Youth in the following areas: Agricultural Literacy; Animal Science; Citizenship and Civic Education; Communications and Expressive Arts; Environmental and Earth Sciences; Family and Consumer Sciences; Food and Nutrition; Healthy Lifestyles Education; Horticulture; Personal Development and Leadership; Shooting Education and Science and Technology. 4-H uses experiential learning-by-doing projects, meetings, community service, and a variety of educational experiences to teach Life Skills all the while having FUN, such as:
4-H youth can participate in serveral ways: community clubs, project clubs, family clubs, independent study, special interest groups, school enrichment programs or community coalitions. 4-H offers a safe, structured environment, along with fun and creativity. 4-H is young people and adults growing together to become better citizens. Additionally, if a member stays in 4-H until they graduate from High School, he/she will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships to assist them in pursuing the career goals beyond their High School years. Over 200 4-H clubs in Maricopa County are managed by adult volunteer leaders, teen leaders, professional youth workers and staff. Most 4-H clubs are comprised of young people who live near each other or attend the same school. The majority of clubs meet bi-weekly or monthly to conduct club business, which includes sharing what members have learned in their projects. Most projects require a minimum of 10 to 20 hours for completion. Each club or participant determines the depth and breadth of the projects. Projects involving animals such as raising a pet or guide dog, rabbit, horse, beef, sheep, or pig are a daily commitment. 4-H Youth Development also focuses on collaborative and cooperative efforts in the community. This includes educational enrichment programs in schools and special interest groups such as after-school programs and camping. YOUTH 4-H is open to all youth ages 5 to 19. To join a 4-H club or obtain more informaiton, please call the 4-H Office between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. If you call afterhours, you can leave a message and someone will return your call. ADULTS AND PARENTS Anyone interested in volunteer service for the 4-H program should call the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension office for additional information. Several opportunities are available: Certified Volunteers Leader, works directly with youth, 4-H projects and activities. Resource Volunteer Leader, assists with office support, leadership recruitment, preparation for activities, etc. (certification is not required); parent leaders; club assistant; teacher, etc. If you're interested in becoming a Volunteer or have a youth that is interested in getting involved, please do not hesitate to contact us at 602-470-8086 or e-mail the 4-H office.
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