The National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed partnerships with the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, National Guard and Reserves, to support youth and family programs on installations around the world.
Youth and families from U.S. Marines and U.S. Coast Guard are also supported.
4-H extension professionals support military staff as they provide strong educational programs so that military men and women can pursue their critical, high risk assignments knowing that their children are in safe and nurturing environments.
4-H clubs provide quality educational experiences to military youth using research based curricula for military youth ages 5-18.
4-H clubs have been established on nearly every Army, Navy, and Air Force installation worldwide, while 4-H clubs in communities have opened their doors to military youth living off installation as well as youth of National Guard and Reserve families.
As a parent's military role causes frequent family moves, 4-H clubs provide predictability and stability throughout the military child's life.
In 2015, more than 45,616 Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves children and youth participated in 4-H military clubs on and off installations.
Further information about club opportunities in your state can be found here.
Each year, states provide an annual report regarding how the partnership between 4-H and military youth programs has moved forward. More about how your state is supporting 4-H Military Clubs can be found in each State's Corporate Report.
National 4-H Curriculum focuses on 4-H’s three primary mission mandates: science, healthy living, and citizenship. In addition, there is a wide variety of curriculum and project topic areas offered through the state and county 4-H programs.
If there is a project area youth are interested in knowing more about, 4-H has a curriculum that can support the learning initiative and guide activities. View the National 4-H Resource Library for additional information.
As a result of the Army 4-H Military Partnership, over 23,000 Army children and youth participate in approximately 332 4-H Clubs on Army installations worldwide. These clubs have become an integral programming component for Army School-Age and Youth programs.
4-H Clubs offer opportunities for Army youth to explore new interests and gain skills in leadership, decision making, technology, science, math, environmental stewardship, and community service. In addition to learning-by-doing in their club, Army youth participate with other 4-H youth beyond the garrison gates in county, state and national programs. No matter where a family moves, the youth can find 4-H Clubs in any county in the U.S. and on overseas installations.
As a result of the Air Force 4-H Military Partnership, more than 17,500 Air Force children and youth participated in approximately 234 4-H Clubs as of 2013. Clubs are one of the primary ways 4-H provides positive youth development opportunities to meet the needs of young people so they can experience Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity, the 4-H Essential Elements, and to foster educational opportunities through the Land Grant University system.
The Air Force requires that at least three 4-H Clubs are offered on base using official 4-H curriculum. One of the clubs must be in the area of Health, Nutrition, & Fitness; the remaining clubs should revolve around the varied interests of the youth. The Air Force 4-H Club can be a community club with three (or more) project groups offered throughout the year under the community club.
The Navy 4-H Military Partnership links resources of the Land Grant University System in the development of a common mission of positive youth development experiences to assist Child and Youth Program staff in the development of 4-H clubs worldwide. 4-H program (state and/or local) staff support bases through on-site training, technical assistance, and local programming. In 2013, more than 6,400 Navy children and youth participated in approximately 110 4-H Clubs on Naval bases worldwide.
It is important for children and youth to feel safe in their community/environment as they challenge themselves to learn new skills.
4-H works to attract geographically dispersed military youth into local activities that will engage youth in developing life skills.
This includes camps, leadership opportunities, civic engagement, and service learning.
Within these events, youth have the opportunity to have a positive and sustainable relationship with caring adults; build life skills through hands-on activities; and participate in service learning events within their communities.
17,048 geographically dispersed youth of Active Duty and National Guard and Reserve service members engaged in 4-H related activities in 2013.
4-H is the largest out of school youth organization in the United States with over 7 million youth members.
There is Cooperative Extension staff responsible for 4-H programs in every county and city - so there's probably a 4-H program near you.
Whether you live in a city, suburb or rural area, there's something for you in 4-H. In most states, you can join 4-H if you are between the ages of 7-18.
Some areas have special age-appropriate programs designed especially for younger kids.
Check with your Cooperative Extension office to find out what projects and activities are available for youth your age.
Your Cooperative Extension office can help you to find a local club or program that's right for you.
Or, it's easy to start a new club with some of your friends or other interested young people and a few adults willing to help.
Adult volunteers play an important role in the 4-H program.
Volunteers coordinate local community clubs and help to plan and conduct local, regional, state, and national 4-H events.
Over 500,000 teen and adult volunteers share their time and talents with 4-H youth. Call your local Cooperative Extension office to learn about how to apply and receive training to be a 4-H volunteer.