10 Reasons to LOVE Iowa 4-H

10. Fair Time

We look forward to county fairs as well as the state fair here in Iowa. Fried food on a stick, animals, contests, rides, and so much more, it’s hard to go wrong with fair time in Iowa. Why do 4-H members love fair time? They get to show off all of the projects that they have been working on all year and meet 4-H'ers across the state!

9. Make the Best Better

Iowa 4-H believes in making the best better. Iowa 4-H program provides the opportunity for 4-H members to showcase their skills as well as develop new skills that will benefit them throughout their lifetime. Did you know that 4-H'ers are 25% more likely to positively contribute to their families and communities?

8. Learn By Doing

The best way to learn is to learn by doing. By providing hands-on experiences, 4-H members have the freedom to take their ideas and to create their own learning path with volunteers, experienced staff and experts. 4-H'ers engage in hands-on learning activities in areas of science, citizenship and healthy living. They are given experiences to build a foundation of leadership and skills for success in future careers.

7. College

Did you know that 4-H members are two times more likely to attend college upon high school graduation? In fact, the Iowa 4-H Foundation provided over $60,000 in scholarships to help youth attend college this year!

6. 4-H Pledge

Did you know that the original pledge only included 3 H’s- Head, Heart, and Hands? It wasn’t until 1911 that Health was added. Now, let’s all say it together:

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.

5. Clover

The 4-H emblem is one of the most recognizable symbols. The 4-H emblem was founded in Iowa by Wright County superintendent O.H. Benson. He said that the 4-leaf clover will help to explain the message of a four-square education. The four main ideas of the four-square education include educational development, fellowship development, physical development and moral development.

The 4-H Name & Emblem is a highly valued mark within our country’s history. As such, it was granted a very unique and special status; it is in a category similar to the Presidential Seal and the Olympic Emblem. This federal protection makes it a mark into and of itself with protection that supersedes the limited authorities of both a trademark and a copyright.

4. Iowa 4-H Center

Because who doesn’t love camp? We sure do!

3. Opportunity

The opportunities are endless and there are many ways to get involved in Iowa 4-H.

2. Memories

While gaining new experiences in leadership, communication, and showmanship, just to name a few, you will leave 4-H with thousands of long lasting, GREAT memories, that will last a lifetime!  

And the number one reason to love Iowa 4-H….

1. FRIENDSHIPS

Being a 4-H member gives you the opportunity to meet new people and to make new friends. Being in 4-H, you already share a common interest with other members. It is a fun experience to meet other members not only in your county, but also from all across Iowa. There are more than 6 million 4-H members in the U.S. 

 

 

What are the 10 reasons YOU love Iowa 4-H? Comment below to let us know!

 

By: Brooke Young