![\"Stock](\"https:\/\/agrilife.org\/urbantarrant4h\/files\/2018\/01\/Stock-show-parade-1-1-960x300_c.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
4-H began over one hundred years ago when clubs were started in rural communities of Ohio and Minnesota. These clubs were formed with the purpose of encouraging youth to learn new, scientific methods of agriculture that their parents were reluctant to adopt.\u00a0 They met with such success that they were soon formalized into 4-H clubs and partnered with the Extension Service.\u00a0 The Extension Service is the county based outreach of the land-grant universities of each state.\u00a0 Tasked with promoting research based education to encourage better, healthier lives, partnering Extension Service with the growing 4-H clubs was natural and occurred within twelve years.\u00a0 Today, just as the mission of County Extension Agents has expanded, so too has the work and reach of 4-H and its clubs.<\/span><\/p>\n Currently, 4-H serves 6 million youth nationwide. Many youth participate in short programs through schools, child-care facilities, and other venues.\u00a0 To engage in 4-H year-round, nearly 500 youth in Tarrant County join clubs that meet throughout the community.\u00a0 Members range in age from 8 to 18, with most clubs providing activities to younger siblings as well.\u00a0 It is in the clubs that members have hands-on learning experiences with solo and group projects and develop leadership skills by leading the club and organizing community service.<\/span><\/p>\n The four Hs stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. The 4-H pledge sums up how these come together to direct the program and all it offers:<\/span><\/p>\n I pledge<\/em><\/span> By reciting this pledge at the start of every meeting, members are reminded:<\/span><\/p>\n While 4-H started with agricultural based programs, it has evolved to cover a wide range of interests and serves youth in both rural and urban communities. But the mission has remained the same-encouraging the promotion of scientific based learning and preparing youth for healthy and productive lives.\u00a0 Today\u2019s members may still raise livestock and work in gardens, but they are just as likely to build robots, perform in a talent show, or participate in a cooking contest.<\/span><\/p>\n The best way to learn about 4-H is to attend a club meeting close to you. With over twenty clubs, each group has its own flavor and feel.\u00a0 The one thing that you will find in common at all meetings is that they are led by the youth members, have fun activities, and friendly people who will welcome you to 4-H.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re ready to attend a meeting, you can follow the \u201cClub\u201d link above to find a list and a map of the clubs in Tarrant County. If you still want some more information-then please follow the links in the About tab to Fast Facts and the Lexicon.\u00a0 We also have a handy New Member Handbook<\/em> on the Documents and Form page.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\n My Head to clearer thinking,<\/em><\/span>
\n My Heart to greater loyalty<\/em><\/span>
\n My Hands to larger service and<\/em><\/span>
\n My Health to better living for<\/em><\/span>
\n My club, my community,<\/em><\/span>
\n My country and my world<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n