FAQs

What is 4-H, and what does it stand for?

4-H is a youth development program that stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. It helps young people build leadership skills, practice citizenship, give back to their communities, and develop healthier lifestyles—all while having fun and exploring their interests.

What makes 4-H different from other youth organizations?

4-H emphasizes hands-on learning experiences that teach life skills and encourage leadership, citizenship, and service. With activities spanning everything from agriculture to STEM, 4-H provides a unique opportunity for youth to grow in practical, impactful ways.

What types of activities are available in Emanuel County 4-H?

Emanuel County 4-H offers a wide variety of activities, including in-school programs, leadership development workshops, summer camps, shooting sports teams, livestock programs, and public speaking competitions. Additional opportunities vary by grade level.

What age groups can participate in 4-H?

4-H programs are available for youth in grades 4 through 12 with specialized age groups to tailor activities to their development. Younger children in kindergarten though grade 3 can participate in the Cloverbuds program.

Are there dues to join 4-H?

No, 4-H does not charge membership dues or require uniforms for participation. However, some special events or programs may have associated fees or specific dress requirements, which will be shared in advance.

How often does 4-H meet?

4-H meetings are typically held monthly during the school year. Gracie Jones, the 4-H Educator, visits local schools to lead in-class sessions, while additional activities, events, and club meetings outside of school are scheduled throughout the year. Specific schedules vary by club and grade level, so contact the Emanuel County Extension Office for more details.

How can I enroll my child in 4-H?

Enrolling your child in 4-H is simple and can be done using an online form, or you can contact the Emanuel County Extension Office to request an enrollment form. Once completed, the form can be submitted directly to the office. Enrollment must be renewed annually to ensure your child stays active in the program.

Is there a deadline to join 4-H?

4-H enrollment is open year-round, but many clubs and activities follow the school calendar. To make the most of the program, it’s best to enroll at the start of the school year.

Can my child join 4-H mid-year?

Yes, enrollment is open year-round. While it’s best to join early in the school year to participate in as many activities as possible, your child can still get involved at any time.

Can my child join 4-H if we don’t live on a farm?

Absolutely! 4-H is for everyone, not just those with agricultural backgrounds. The program offers opportunities for youth to explore a wide range of interests, including science, technology, community service, and more.

Are there leadership opportunities in 4-H?

Yes, 4-H offers numerous leadership opportunities, including club officer positions, participation in leadership councils, and serving as mentors for younger members. Senior 4-H’ers also have opportunities to attend leadership conferences and camps.

What kinds of projects can my child do in 4-H?

4-H offers a wide variety of project areas, including agriculture, science, health, and the arts. Projects can be tailored to match your child’s interests and goals.

Do 4-H'ers need to wear uniforms?

No, 4-H does not require uniforms for participation. However, certain events or competitions may have dress codes, which will be communicated in advance.

How much time does 4-H require?

The time commitment for 4-H varies based on your child’s level of involvement. In-school club meetings typically occur monthly, while additional activities like competitions, camps, or special projects may require extra time.

What are the benefits of joining 4-H?

4-H helps youth develop life skills like leadership, communication, responsibility, and teamwork. It also provides opportunities to make new friends, gain confidence, and participate in exciting activities and competitions.

Does 4-H offer financial assistance for programs or events?

Yes, financial assistance may be available for certain 4-H programs or events to ensure all youth can participate, regardless of financial circumstances. Contact the Emanuel County Extension Office for more information.

Can my child participate in more than one 4-H activity?

Yes, your child can participate in multiple 4-H activities and programs, as long as their schedule allows. From club meetings to camps and contests, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Does 4-H offer scholarships for higher education?

Yes, many 4-H programs offer scholarships at the local, state, and national levels. These scholarships often reward participants for their leadership, achievements, and dedication to 4-H programs over the years.

Can parents get involved in 4-H?

Parents play an important role in 4-H! Whether by volunteering at events, assisting with club activities, or serving as mentors, parents are encouraged to support their children’s 4-H experience.

What’s the time commitment for volunteers?

Volunteering with 4-H can be as flexible as your schedule allows. Some volunteers help out with occasional events, while others take on more involved roles like leading clubs or mentoring students.

4-H Youth Development

Countless lives have been shaped by the Emanuel County 4-H program, a place where young people learn, grow, and thrive. As a branch of the University of Georgia and UGA Extension Emanuel County, 4-H is all about building leadership skills, encouraging citizenship, promoting community service, and having fun along the way.

The program is led by 4-H Agent Jakyn Tyson and 4-H Educator Gracie Jones. Together, they play a hands-on role in delivering 4-H programming directly to local schools, engaging youth with exciting opportunities tailored to their grade levels. From leading meetings to organizing special events, Jakyn and Gracie ensure 4-H remains a vibrant and valuable part of the community.

In 2023 alone, 875 youth joined Emanuel County 4-H through 35 different clubs. These efforts wouldn’t have been possible without the support of 96 dedicated adult volunteers who gave nearly 2,000 hours of their time to mentor and guide 4-H’ers, creating a network of support that makes all the difference.

What Does 4-H Stand For?

At its core, 4-H is about more than learning new skills. It’s about shaping well-rounded individuals. Guided by the values of head, heart, hands, and health, 4-H encourages young people to think critically, build meaningful relationships, serve their communities, and make choices that support their well-being.

These four pillars are at the heart of everything 4-H does, driving its mission to help youth gain knowledge, build life skills, and develop attitudes that empower them to grow into self-reliant, contributing members of society.

Who Can Join 4-H?

4-H is open to all youth in grades 4 through 12 who live or attend school in Emanuel County. It’s an inclusive program that welcomes everyone, regardless of background, and there are no membership dues or uniform requirements. Some special programs or events may have associated fees or dress codes, but 4-H makes it easy for everyone to participate.

Youth are divided into age groups to provide programming that’s tailored to their stage of growth and development. Cloverbuds include younger youth in grades K through 3, Cloverleaf 4-H’ers are in grades 4 through 6, Junior 4-H’ers are in grades 7 and 8, and Senior 4-H’ers are in grades 9 through 12.

Opportunities for Youth

Emanuel County 4-H partners with schools, communities, and families to offer meaningful experiences that inspire growth and leadership. These opportunities include: participating in in-school programming for public, private, and homeschool students; youth activities that promote leadership, citizenship, service, and communication; summer camps designed for adventure and personal development; competing on shooting sports teams that emphasize safety and skill-building; youth livestock programs that teach about animal care and agriculture; and competing in various contests and events that encourage public speaking, creative thinking, and teamwork.

How to Join

Enrollment in 4-H happens annually, and you can join one of two ways. The most accessible avenue is to complete your enrollment form online, or you can use a more traditional approach and contact the Extension directly to request a form.

No matter how you get started, 4-H is great way to encourage discovery, nurture talent, and inspire youth to reach their full potential.

FAQs

4-H Youth Development

What Does 4-H Stand For?

Who Can Join 4-H?

Opportunities for Youth

How to Join

Contact Emanuel County 4-H

Jakyn Tyson

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