4-H is one of the oldest and most effective programs of non-formal education in Hawaii. The 4-H classroom is a world of real hands-on projects and demonstrations, leadership development, and personal growth. 4-H teaches pride in workmanship and accomplishments, personal interaction with peers, and respect for the environment.
4-H assists young people in developing life skills and in forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society. 4-H strives to help young people “make the best better” through programs that emphasize learning by doing. 4-H touches approximately 4,000 young people annually throughout the State of Hawaii.
4-H helps young people develop quality friendships with adults and peers and teaches youth important life skills such as leadership, decision-making, and personal-coping skills and helps them acquire and use knowledge. 4-H is a program about our future and is an organization that is constantly changing to meet the needs of young people in today’s world.
4-H is for youths age 5-19 from all racial, cultural, economic, and social backgrounds. Popular projects today are agriculture (plants/gardening and animal science, food and nutrition, environmental science, technology and engineering, and consumer and family sciences. Newer projects range from aerospace to theater arts to food safety. 4-H members may also learn about livestock, crops, forestry, computer science, marketing, and machinery. Other projects are electricity, environmental protection and conservation, photography, public speaking, woodworking, entomology, small engines, and personal development.
4-H involves young people everywhere. They meet in homes of members or their leaders, in schools, or in other community buildings. 4-H is found wherever professional Cooperative Extension Service personnel and CES volunteer leaders are available to conduct the program. Flexibility is the key to today’s 4-H projects-flexibility is the kinds of learning offered and in the variety and scope of projects. Please see our Contact page to find out how to participate in a 4-H program near you.