Isn 4-H for farm kids?
4-H is for all young people, regardless of where they live, what their backgrounds are, or what interests them. Today in Mecklenburg County, 4-H members are from the city, from the country, and everywhere in between. They participate in a variety of hands-on learning experiences to develop long-term life skills. In the early 1900s 4-H programs began as a way to improve agricultural production by teaching children new methods and skills gained in the university. Boys and girls clubs were established with parents, volunteers, and extension agents providing leadership. Since its inception, 4-H youth development programs has emphasized education, “learning by doing” and helping young people develop the skills they need to function in their community. While 4-H started as an agricultural learning resource, it has grown to address the changing need and diverse backgrounds of todays youth. In fact, the 2003 statistics from the National 4-H Council show one-third of 4-H participants reside in
