RESEARCH &
EDUCATION
CENTERS (REC)
4-H Youth Development
What is 4-H?
4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States with over 7 million participants. 4-H is best identified by its green four-leaf clover with an H on each leaf. The four Hs on the emblem stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H is the only youth organization based within the land-grant university system, and the first experience many youth have with higher education.
4-H in Prince George’s County
The Prince George’s County 4-H Youth Development Program is a volunteer-driven youth development program managed by the University of Maryland Extension. Youth may participate in community- and school-based clubs exploring areas such as Robotics, Animal Science, Outdoor Education, Healthy Living, Camping, and Civic Engagement and Community Service. The program also provides educational outreach programs in a variety of settings. These opportunities are offered through research-based, hands-on activities. Together 4-H members and volunteers participate in fun, hands-on, research-based activities supported by a national Extension system.
4-H opens up new and exciting opportunities for both youth and volunteers to:
- Enhance leadership skills
- Improve communication skills
- Meet and make new friends
- Become involved in their communities
- Improve personal growth and development
- Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!!
Who Can Join?
Youth ages 5-18; 5-7 year olds are called Clover members and participate in non-competitive programs to learn about the many different aspects of 4-H. At age 8, a youth can become a "regular" 4-H member, enroll in projects and participate in competitive county and state events.
For more information about the program, you may contact the 4-H staff via email:
Alexander E. Chan, PhD, 4-H Youth Development Educator - alexchan@umd.edu
Gretchen Sumbrum, 4-H Faculty Extension Assistant - gsumbrum@umd.edu
Phone: (301) 868-9636
Fax: (301) 599-6714
Section:
4-H At a Glance
The four H's stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
4-H Colors
Green & White
4-H Slogan
"Learn by Doing"
4-H Motto
"To Make the Best Better"
4-H 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.”
