Like any group that has been around for more than a hundred years, 4-H has a language all its own. These terms are some of the things you will hear at your first 4-H meeting and throughout your 4-H Career. 4-H has a lot to offer and we want you to understand every bit of your 4-H experience.
4-H Grade: The school grade a member is on September 1st. This determines the member’s grade for the year and determines at what level she will compete in 4-H contests. As recently as 2015/16 4-H year, members were classified by age. You may still see on forms or hear the term “4-H Age” although age is no longer used.
4-H Year: September 1 thru August 31 of the following year. All 4-H members and leaders must re-enroll online at the beginning of each year to remain active.
Adult Leader: An adult volunteer who works with 4-H club members. Adult volunteers must be vetted by Texas 4-H through 4-H Connect. The main classifications of leaders are:
- Club Manager who works with the club officers to organize and manage a 4-H club.
- Project Leader who helps members learn through involvement in a specific 4-H project.
- Activity Leader who helps organize, conduct, or facilitate various activities.
Clover Kids: The Clover Kids program is designed for children in grades K-2. They may participate in learning experiences and activities as age appropriate.
Community Service Project: A volunteer activity conducted for the benefit of the community. Examples: neighborhood clean-up campaigns or collecting food or clothing for the needy.
County Extension Agent : An employee of either Texas A&M or Prairie View A&M Extension who specializes in youth development, agriculture, family and consumer science, nutrition and health, horticulture, or urban development. While all agents have duties related to 4-H, the 4-H Agent/s manages the 4-H program for the county.
Club: A club of five or more boys and girls in grades 3—12 (ages 8—18) with one or more volunteer adult leaders. Each club elects their own officers from among the membership who preside at the meetings.
Intermediate: Members in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Junior: Members in grades 3, 4, and 5.
Officer: A youth leader within a 4-H club or organization (It may include: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Council Delegate, etc.)
Project: An area of study in which members participate in at least six learning experiences.
Project Meetings: A gathering where members learn about a specific project area. They are coordinated by an adult project leader or teen leader. Usually meetings are held once a week for a period of 6-8 weeks.
Record Books: A record of project work, training, achievements, leadership, and community service presented in a particular format. Record books are completed in June and can be submitted for judging at the county, district, and state level.
Roundup: An event where multiple 4-H contests are held at the same time and location. Members of all ages can compete at district Roundup. Seniors and Intermediates can compete at the State Roundup depending on the contest.
Self-determined Project: A project area in which a member is interested, but there is not a project guide available. Extension agents, leaders, and parents work with the member to set goals and objectives and plan learning experiences to complete the project.
Senior: Members in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.