I wanted to let you know about a great organization that has supported/supplemented many homeschooling families: the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program!
We have been involved with 4-H for about 7 years now. There are numerous opportunities within 4-H, but some of my favorite things about it are:
--interest based (youth members choose projects/activities which interest them)
--“learning by doing” (hands-on learning opportunities)
--leadership, citizenship and communication skills development
--fun!
--varying levels of involvement/commitment to meet the family’s /individual’s needs
--Appreciation/understanding of the different needs of varying levels of childhood development
--Mixed aged groups valued (like with home education); older members model leadership which inspires and motivates younger members.
--As 4-H members, homeschoolers get to experience parliamentary procedure and the democratic process of voting, elections, etc. – something traditionally educated students usually get at school.
I’m pasting a bit more info below. And NO! you don’t have to own livestock to join 4-H! Projects range from cooking to sewing to bicycle repair and SO much more!
A year ago, I became a 4-H Adult Leader for a brand new club in Sac County: Sequoia Valley. We meet the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Arden area. However, there are 18 clubs in Sac County that meet at various times each month. Some clubs are small and some quite large. (SV is small with about 12 members currently.)
Club meetings are run, by large, by the youth leaders. Each club has elected officers (President, VP, etc.). Many ‘jr’ positions are available to younger members (Sergeant-at-arms, Song Leader, etc.).
Although you can join 4-H anytime, September is when most clubs gear up for the year.
I am happy to answer any questions, so feel free to contact me about 4-H anytime. (And more info is pasted below; here is the Sacramento County 4-H website:http://cesacramento.ucanr.edu/4H/.
Sandi Russi
Sequoia Valley 4-H Club Leader
916-606-0799
"That which we are, we shall teach, not voluntarily, but involuntarily." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
The purpose of the 4-H Youth Development Program is to help young people discover and develop their potential and grow into competent, contributing, and caring citizens. Learn by doing activities, youth-adult partnerships, and research-based educational programs help young people enhance their leadership abilities and develop a wide range of other life skills.
In 4-H there is something for everyone. In Sacramento County we have 18 Community Clubs providing more than 50 different projects. We also have active camp and after school science programs. For a description of some of our programs, please check out the following links.
- Club Program
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Youth Development
- Youth Experiences in Science
- On The Wild Side Program
You can request more information through our online information request.
If you are interested in helping as a volunteer, please check out the "Volunteer" link in our top menu bar!!
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!
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!
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