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4-H Youth Development Program

4-H HISTORY

The Plumas Sierra 4-H County Council was chartered in 1946. It is part of the Youth development program of the Cooperative Extension System, which includes the State Land-Grant Universities, County Extension Offices and Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  County Extension staff work with Land-Grant Univeristy Researchers and Educators, who are up-to-date about youth development and subject areas like the environment, science, technology and entrepreneurship.

Through 4-H, young people discover what they need and learn to work together to meet their needs.  4-H youth development programs use the world as a classroom.  4-H is centered in the present....connected to the past....focused on the future. 

 

4-H EDUCATIONAL GOALS 

The educational goals of California's 4-H youth program are to assist youth to:

  • Develop initiative and assume responsibility.
  • Develop leadership and be of service to others.
  • Develop the ability to live and work cooperatively with others.
  • Acquire knowledge and skills, and explore careers.
  • Achieve satisfaction from work and accomplishments.
  • Choose alternatives and plan satisfying lives.
  • Develop positive self images.

(For further club information contact the UCCE Plumas-Sierra office 530-283-6270)

 

CLUB INFORMATION

  • American Valley/Quincy
  • Echo/Loyalton
  • Feather River/Quincy
  • Indian Valley/Taylorsville
  • Las Plumas/Portola
  • Wolf Creek/Greenville
  • Sierra Valley/Chilicoot-Vinton
  • Treasure Mountain/Sierraville
  • Chester-Lake Almanor/Chester

COUNTY WIDE EVENTS 
(Each member must participate in at least one)

PRESENTATION DAY -  a county event where members give demonstrations, an illustrated talk to share skills learned.

SMALL/LARGE ANIMAL FIELD DAY - this event emphasizes judging and selection techniques for member and leaders.  All members may participate in this event-no need to be enrolled in an animal project.

SHOWMANSHIP - a one day event held at the Fairgrounds where members get an opportunity to proactice showmanship with beef, sheep, swine and goats plus have market animals judged for conformation. Small animal members also may particpate in this event.  

HORSEMASTERSHIP - a two-day event held in July.  Saturday is for 4-H horse members only and SundayHorseshow is open to all members.

SPRING FLING

  • Skills - this event helps members and leaders learn more about the home economic projects. A judging contest using static displays, members rank each category.  For example which tool would be best for a specific task.
  • Fashion Review - clothing members model garments they have made and have their construction judged.
  • Food Fiesta - food members have the opportunity to prepare foods, items, include it within a balanced meal menu and present it in an appropriate place setting where it will be judged.
  • Crafts - members enrolled in crafts and gardening projects showcase their works.

AWARENESS DAY - members enter posters and participate in activities. Open to all 4-H members.

 

Medals are awarded in each of the events.  County winners are eligible to attend regional events. Primary members participate in events, but do no compete. They receive participation ribbons.

Members exhibit their projects at the County Fair in August.  The Junior Livestock Auction presents an opportunity for members to show what they have learned and sell their animals- usually to aid their college funds.

4-H is non-profit. Members are charged minimal amounts for insurance, curriculum and materials.  A uniform is not required, except for the Fair and some outside county events. Clubs and the Council usually look to outside friends, businesses and organizations and hold fund raisers for monetary support.  Record Book Covers, Hats and Ties, field trips, Achievement Night parties and awards are some of the targets for donations and support. Events are self-supporting, but in some cases, sponsors are sought for awards, food, etc.

Our 4-H year is September 1st through August 31.  Clubs meet one each month.  Each member is a part of one or several project teams.  These project meetings are held for to six times (average) throughout the year and cover many different subjects.  The projects are a means to an end-the vehicle by which each member participates in and learns life skills.