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About Duval County 4-H Youth Development
4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. Over 230,000 members in the State of Florida help to make up the community of more than 6.5 million young people across America. Your support allows Duval County 4-H to reach over 9,000 youth a year. 4-H is a non-formal, practical educational program for youth. Florida 4-H is the youth development program of Florida Cooperative Extension, a part of the University of Florida IFAS.
Learn more about the Florida 4-H youth development program.
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What Do the 4 H’s Stand For?
Head – Mental Development
- Deeper knowledge and reasoning
Heart – Emotional Development.
- Developing interest, appreciation, and wholesome attitudes.
Hands – Skills Development.
- Ability to do, skill in doing, and habit of doing.
Health – Physical Development.
- Understanding and appreciating a growing and changing body.
The 4-H emblem is one of the most recognized logos in America. It has proudly represented America’s largest youth organization for decades, and should always be presented and used in a respectful way. The emblem represents a standard of quality in youth development which is experiential in nature, meaning that young people learn all kinds of things through 4-H in a hands-on way.
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What is the 4-H Mission and Vision?
The Florida 4-H Youth Development Program's mission is to use a learn-by-doing approach and caring adults to help youth gain the knowledge and life skills they need to be productive, responsible citizens. To achieve its mission, 4-H accesses the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and a nationwide network of Cooperative Extension Service faculty and staff.
Florida 4-H aspires to be the leading youth development program, creating positive change in youth, families, and communities.
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What is the 4-H Motto, Slogan, and Pledge?
Motto: To Make the Best Better
Slogan: Learn By Doing
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 county and my world.
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How Do I Join?
4-H is open to all youth, ages 5-18 as of September 1 of the current 4-H program year, and open to all counties in the State of Florida.
4-H serves youth from all backgrounds and interests. It reaches both boys and girls through 4-H clubs, special-interest groups and short-term projects, school-age child care, individual and family learning and mentoring, camping and school enrichment.
Start by joining the Duval County At-Large 4-H
What is the At Large 4-H?
Being apart of Duval County At-Large 4-H is a flexible option for youth who want to participate in 4-H but are not currently part of a traditional club. This is ideal for members who are working independently on a project, are waiting for space in a full club, or simply haven’t found the right club fit yet. While this option does not hold regular meetings, at-large members still have access to 4-H resources, support from the county office, and the ability to participate in events, competitions, and project work. It’s a great way to stay connected to 4-H and continue learning while exploring your individual interests.
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What Types of Programming Are Offered?
There are three primary program areas, or mission mandates, – science, citizenship, and healthy living. The educational foundation of 4-H lies in these three mission mandate. These mandates reiterate the foundation purposes of Extension (e.g., community leadership, quality of life, and technology transfer) in the context of 21st century challenges and opportunities.
Programming is delivered through:
- Clubs and Councils
- School Enrichment Programs
- County Level programs and workshops
- District, State, and National programs
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4-H Impact
4-H is the only youth development program with direct access to technological advances from university research.
According to the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development conducted by Tufts University young people in 4-H:
- Report better grades, higher levels of academic competence, and an elevated level of engagement at school.
- Are nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college
- Are more likely to pursue future courses in a career in science, engineering, or computer technology.
The UF/IFAS Extension Florida 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens.
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