UVI-CES 4-H Program

BE A 4-H'er!
As a member, you will belong to one of the largest youth organization in the world-over 5 million young people in the United States and an ever-growing number here in the Virgin Islands. 4-H also exists in over 80 foreign countries and is very popular in many of our neighboring Caribbean islands.

As a 4-H'er, you will meet new friends, discover innovative ways of doing things, learn skills that will foster personal growth as well as exposure to career options and, at the same time, have fun. Participating in club meetings, workshops, projects, summer camps and community service activities are a few of the things you can do as a 4-H member.

WHO CAN BE A 4-H MEMBER?
Any youth, age 8-19, may join. In some instances, a 4-H'er may be as young as five years old(prior approval must be obtained from your 4-H office). It does not matter you live - in St. Croix, St. Thomas or St. John, 4-H is for "all ah we!"

HOW DO YOU JOIN 4-H?
All interested youths must complete an enrollment from which can be obtained from your local Virgin Islands Service Office or volunteer leader.

WHAT CAN I DO IN 4-H?
The Virgin Islands 4-H/Youth Development Program offers hands-on experience in project areas, such as:

Arts and Crafts              Cultural Awareness
Citizenship                  Gardening
Public Speaking              Dairy
Small Livestock (rabbit,     Foods and Nutrition
sheep, goat, poultry, etc.)  Community Service
                             Leadership

Your Virgin Islands Extension 4-H Agent or volunteer leader may suggest additional project opportunities of special interest to you.

VOLUNTEER LEADERS!

Each club has one or more adult or teen leader, who usually are parents or other adult in the community. Volunteer leaders help you choose project, keep records, give talks and demonstrations and prepare exhibits. Project leaders, who can also be teen leaders, provide assistance in specific activities, such as public speaking contests. In addition, teen leaders teach younger members and help with enrollment and filling out records.

RECOGNITION

You can open many doors leading to honors, off-island trips, competitions, prizes, and rich experiences such as inter-island exchange. Outstanding 4-H'ers are selected to represent the Virgin Islands as delegates to national 4-H conferences. Opportunities like there are Available if you plan work hard, and maintain your 4-H record. However, the biggest recognition comes from your own feeling of satisfaction.

PARENTS

4-H club work in centered around the home and family. Successful 4-H members and clubs have complete support of parent. Their advice and encouragement will help you. As them to attend meeting and events with you.

YOU WILL NEED TO KNOW:

THE NATIONAL 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.

Your national 4-H club colors are green and white. The white background is for purity; the green stands for the growing things - plants, flowers and crops - and is a symbol for life, youth and growth.

4-H is the Cooperative Extension System's dynamic, nonformal, educational program for today's young people. The program combines the cooperative efforts of youth, volunteer leaders, land-grant universities, federal-local government and the US Department of Agriculture.

Information request | 4-H Youth Development Education | Calendar of events for 1998/99

University of the Virgin Islands | Research and Public Service Component Cooperative Extension Service