I’VE JOINED 4-H….NOW WHAT??
So, you've joined a 4-H Club! How much time will be involved? What
responsibilities do you have as a member? Are your parents expected to
participate in the program?
The answers to these questions will vary greatly from club to club. It will
depend on how many activities your club decides to participate in and how much you
personally want to gain from 4-H. However, there are five goals we ask you to
strive for. And by completing these 5 easy steps, you will be recognized as a
Standard of Excellence Member.
1. ATTEND 2/3 OF YOUR CLUB MEETINGS AFTER ENROLLING. This is
important to keep abreast of what's happening in 4-H and it's also necessary
so your club can function at its full potential. Your club will need your input
and help!
2.
COMPLETE ONE PROJECT. It's easy for members to complete a project.
Just follow the instructions in your project book.
3.
GIVE A PROJECT TALK OR DEMONSTRATION. Sounds scary at first,
doesn't it? After a year or so, you'll feel like a pro at it! This is probably
one of the most important benefits you can gain from 4-H. It also lets
everyone in your club learn about a variety of topics.
4.
EXHIBIT A PROJECT AT THE COUNTY 4-H SHOW. This allows you to
get personal comments on a project you've made this year. You will receive
an A, B, or C ribbon and a premium for your efforts. Our 4-H Show is set
for JULY 25 - 27 at the Martinsville Fairgrounds.
5.
COMPLETE A PROJECT RECORD. This helps you to reflect on what
you've done in the past year and set goals for the upcoming year.
See, that won't be so hard. We hope each new member will be a Standard of
Excellence Member. Some other things we hope you will do:
* Read the 4-H manual you receive.
* Read the 4-H mail that comes to your house and share the information with
your parents.
* Help plan and support 4-H club activities.
* Eventually serve as an officer of your club or on a committee when asked.
4-H EXPECTATIONS
Some
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Expectations of the 4-H Member:
Attendance at meetings, related events
Talk and/or demonstration
Project goals
4-H Records
Exhibit at the 4-H Fair
Fulfill responsibilities as assigned by club (i.e. refreshments)
Due dates (read the 4-H Newsletter)
Others as determined by club members
Some
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Expectations of the 4-H Parent:
Encouragement and assistance to the youth
Dates of meetings, starting and ending times
Current 4-H calendar with club and county dates
Work cooperatively with leader and other parents to assume one or more
responsibilities
Be involved with project leader to assist member
Transportation (Car Pool)
Phone leaders or Extension Office if have questions
Offer home for club and/or committee meetings
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Some
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Expectations of the 4-H Leader:
Assist committees
Enrollment and project selection with help of parents
Assist officers
Keep contact with the Extension Office
Attend leader learning session
Involve other adults as project leaders
Coordinate club communication among families
Assist members and parents in celebrating accomplishments
Provide orientation for new members and families
Leaders should NOT be expected to:
 Call every family for every meeting
 Be the only one to drive to all county workshops, events, etc.
 Write the secretary’s report; do members’ 4-H records; complete
treasurer’s report; do the club scrapbook; etc. That’s what club officers are
for!
CLARK COUNTY 4-H
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
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4-H BBQ
Club Election of Officers
Establish Committees
National 4-H Week
Hunter Safety
Space Camp
NOVEMBER
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Collect completed enrollment forms
County Achievement Night
Club Officer Training
4-H Day at U of I
DECEMBER
 Club Christmas Party
 Santa Workshops (Marshall & Casey)
 County Horse Honors Night
JANUARY
 Set goals on Planning Guides
 Ski Trip
 New Member Party
FEBRUARY
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Cooking Workshop (CCE) *
4-H Carnival
Beef ID Day
4-H Tack Auction
Photography Workshop (CCE) *
MARCH
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Volunteer Recognition Banquet
Skating Party
Electricity Workshop (CCE) *
Marshall Town Meeting/Club Exchange
Dog Obedience
APRIL
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Job Shadowing
Dog Obedience School
County Livestock Judging
Swine & Sheep ID Day
St. Fair Goat ID Day
County Presentation Contest
Jr. Leadership Conference
MAY
 St. Fair Sheep ID Day (Coles)
 Deadline to add or drop projects, May 1
 Horse Ownership/Lease Papers Due, May 1
JUNE
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Complete Fair Entry Forms
4-H Horse Camp
State Judging Contest
State Leadership Conference
4-H Camp
JULY
 Club Tour
 4-H Fair
AUGUST
 4-H Records due
 State Fair
SEPTEMBER
 4-H BBQ
* Indicates Clark, Crawford & Edgar
County joint activities… (CCE)
Monthly activities include Federation meetings for 4-H’ers 8th grade and older, 4-H Funshops
(January – March), Generation Project Workshops (January – March) and special programs
throughout the year.