Sweet Grass County 4-H Program

4-H is a community of young people across America learning citizenship, leadership and life skills. In the United States, 4-H is the youth audience of the Extension System. Young people between the ages of 9 and 19 participate in individual and group learning experiences that help them learn skills for successful living. Five to eight year olds learn live skills through Cloverbud group activities that prepare them for the 4-H program. The Montana State 4-H Center for Youth Development is located in Taylor Hall on the Montana State University Campus in Bozeman.

4-H Leaders are considered volunteer staff members of Montana State University. At the local level, each county enjoys the services of a Montana State University Extension office, which administers the 4-H program. At the National level, 4-H is under the leadership of the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The most widely recognized symbol of 4-H is the 4-H Clover. This emblem is a green four leaf clover with a white or gold 'H' in each leaf representing Head, Heart, Hands and Health.

It is said "It is better to build a child than mend an adult". This idea is the main objective of the 4-H program. 4-H is a learn by doing program to enhance the development of youth participants. Experiential learning occurs when youth participate in an activity, reflect back on the activity, draw conclusions or observations from their experience and relate it to past or present experiences in their lives. Through the experiential learning process, young people develop basic transferrable skills useful in real life experiences today and in the future.

In 4-H you can complete projects, give demonstrations, practice leadership, enter contests, attend camps and learn many life skills. To participate in 4-H you must enroll in at least one project. Visit the 4-H website for more information (www.montana4h.org) and contact your county office for information specific to your local 4-H program.

Montana 4-H projects are designed to help you:
~get along with other people
~make wise decisions and take responsibility for your choices
~foster a positive sense of self
~develop a sense of curiosity