Hopkins County 4-H Report
by: Juli Hutchins
Hopkins County 4-H Annual Enrollment Starts September 1st
Hopkins County 4-H begins taking the new year’s enrollment starting September 1st. Here is some basic information about the 4-H Program, how to join, and the many projects offered.
History of 4-H
The rapid changes taking place in rural America at the turn of the century led educators to seek ways to link learning to the needs of rural families. Youth were leaving farms to seek jobs in towns and cities. Adult farmers were reluctant to try new techniques of crop production. Agricultural leaders began seeking ways to teach agricultural producers improved methods of crop production.
Preparing youth to be positive, contributing members of society is certainly one of the most important tasks facing our society today. The 4-H and Youth Development Program of Texas AgriLife Extension Service has been a key player in the field of youth development since its start in 1908. In recent years, between 10 and 15 percent of all Texas youth between the ages of 5 and 19 have been enrolling as 4-H members or 4-H Clover Kids each year. Annually, approximately 50,000 adults volunteer their time, talents, and resources in support of the 4-H and Youth Development Program.
Motto
“To Make the Best Better”
Emblem
The 4-H emblem is the four-leaf clover with the letter “H” on each leaf, standing for head, heart, hands and health.
Colors
The 4-H colors are green and white. Green symbolizes nature’s most common color and represents life, springtime and youth. White symbolizes purity.
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 country and my world.
Prayer
“Help me, Oh Lord, to live so that the world may be a little better, because Thou didst make me.”
Age Categories of 4-H Members
Clover Kids – ages 5-7
Junior Division – age 8 and in the 3rd grade, 9 & 10
Intermediate Division – ages 11, 12, & 13
Senior Division – ages 14-18
Projects Offered
Citizenship and Civic Education
Citizenship
Communication and Expressive Arts
Public Speaking
Photography and Videography
Theater and Performance Arts
Consumer and Family Sciences
Clothing and Textiles
Consumer Education
Family Life Education
Housing and Home Environment
Environment Education & Earth Sciences
Field & Stream
Forestry
Natural Resources
Outdoor Education
Range Science & Management
Shooting Sports
Sportfishing
Water
Wildlife & Fisheries
Healthy Lifestyles
Food & Nutrition
Health
Safety
Personal Development and Leadership
Youth Entrepreneurship
Leadership
Recreation
Workplace Preparation/Careers
Global Education and Awareness
Animals
Beef
Companion Animals
Dairy Cattle
Dog Care and Training
Goats – Meat
Horse
Poultry
Rabbits
Sheep
Swine
Veterinary Science
Plants
Horticulture
Soil & Crop Science
Science, Engineering, & Technology
Biological Science
Computer Science
Entomology
Meat Science
4-H Programs are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculure, andt County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating. Contact the local AgriLife Extension Office at (903)885-3443 to enroll.
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