What is 4-H?
4-H is the only university based youth development program in the nation. It is an educational activity for youth sponsored cooperatively through the U.S.D.A., the University of Florida and Bradford County Board of County Commissioners. It is administered through the Bradford County Cooperative Extension Service. 4-H is a human development program designed to foster a sense of confidence, a feeling of accomplishment, and a heightened level of competence.
4-H Mission
To enhance educational experiences, build leadership skills, and encourage and develop interests of diverse youth through "hands-on" discovery learning which enables them to reach their fullest potential.
Members
4-H is open to youth ages 5-18 regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin or handicap. There are no dues charged for membership. Currently, the Bradford County 4-H Program has 138 4-H members in nine community clubs, 1,592 youth in school enrichment programs taught by 126 volunteers. Youth explore subjects within the areas of: Environmental Education, Science and Technology, animal Science, Individual and Family Resources, Citizenship and Career Development, and Leadership and Communications.
Volunteering
Adults volunteers are recruited from the community and trained by the 4-H staff to facilitate youth learning in a positive, caring environment. The focus is on building:
- self-esteem, teamwork, and leadership
- a balance between cooperative and competitiveness
- skills to prepare for the world of work
- volunteer ethic within the family and community
- knowledge of conserving and recycling natural resources
- a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition and exercise
- practical application of formal classroom knowledge
4-H Slogan
"Learn By Doing "
The learn by doing process expresses the basic philosophy of 4-H club work - which is learning by hands-on experience. Many of the 4-H projects teachers youth skills and knowledge that ensure concrete learning experiences within a "real life" focus.
4-H Camps
Bradford 4-H offers many camps throughout the summer. Various camps for different age groups are offered for members and non-members.
Benefits of camping:
- supplements county 4-H Programs
- promotes the "learn by doing" concept
- apply knowledge, skills & attitudes to real life situations
- learn to develop a respect of nature
- builds team work and cooperation
Community Clubs
Community clubs are open to youth ages 5-18 and are organized under the guidance of well trained adult, volunteer leaders. 4-H'ers plan their own program, elect officers and take part in community service projects. These clubs usually meet in homes, churches or community centers.
Bradford County 4-H Foundation
The purpose of the Bradford County 4-H Foundation is to support the mission of the 4-H Youth Development Program. Through private contributions, financial support is given for club programming, awards & recognition, scholarships to attend state & national educational events, and send young people to Camp Cherry Lake.
The foundation also conducts a Strawberry Auction during the Bradford-Union County Fair in order to provide scholarships to graduating seniors.
Joining 4-H is FUN. It is a great way to make new friends and learn new things.
Call us at 904-966-6299 or e-mail us.
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.
4-H Curriculum
- 4-H Animal Science
- 4-H Career Development
- 4-H Citizenship and Leadership
- 4-H Communication and Expressive Arts & Sciences
- 4-H General Club Materials and Organizational Development
- 4-H Environmental Education
- 4-H Individual and Family Resources
- 4-H Plant Sciences
- 4-H Science and Technology
- Discovering 4-H