4-H Program
Welcome to the Monterey County 4-H Youth Development Program!
4-H was formed in the early part of the twentieth century to extend knowledge and information from the state land grant universities to local communities. An organization rooted in the rich tradition of American agriculture, 4-H today serves youth from urban centers and suburbs as well as rural areas. 4-H is a non-formal, educational youth program which relies of the cooperative efforts of youth, adult volunteers, state land grant universities, the United States Department of Agriculture, and federal, state and local governments. In California, the 4-H program is conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension. Each county in California maintains a Cooperative Extension Office with a county director and academic advisor who conduct research and extend knowledge in their areas of expertise. County 4-H staff, adult volunteers, and 4-H members work together to organize and carry out educational programs that meet the needs and interests of youth today. Whether youth participate in local clubs, county-wide special interest projects, or curriculum enrichment programs, 4-H's mission and goals remain the same - to help youth develop to their fullest potential.
In Monterey County, approximately 800 youth are enrolled in local 4-H programs and nearly 300 adult volunteers engage youth in varied learning experiences. There are seventeen clubs in the county, covering almost all geographic areas.
County Office Information:
University of California Cooperative Extension Monterey County
1432 Abbott Street Salinas, CA 93901
Ph (831) 759-7360 Fx (831) 758-3018
| Staff: | ||
|---|---|---|
| County Director | Program Representative | Secretary |
| Sonya Varea Hammond | Wendy Grennan | Lennis Arriaga |
| (831) 759-7350 | (831) 759-7386 | (831) 759-7353 |
| slvareahammond@ucdavis.edu | wdgrennan@ucdavis.edu | larriaga@ucdavis.edu |
Why Join 4-H?
4-H has so much to offer: Interactive, non-formal education, awards and incentive programs, fairs, public speaking events, camp, conferences, community service opportunities, leadership development and scholarships while meeting new people, making new friends and having fun!
How do I Join 4-H?
Youth may enroll in 4-H at any time. However to be eligible for local 4-H competitive events (i.e. Presentation Day, Fashion Revue, conferences, record book competition and fairs), youth must be enrolled in the Monterey County 4-H Program and projects by January 1.
To join a club in Monterey County, contact the Monterey County 4-H Office at 831.759-7360. You will be provided with contact names and numbers for Community Club Leaders of a 4-H club near you. Enrollment must be completed through the Community Club Leaders who can provide information about the projects offered in the club.
How Old Do I Have to Be to Join 4-H?
Youth are eligible to participate in 4-H clubs as primary members if they are five years old or in kindergarten as of December 31 of the 4-H program year (July 1 - June 30). Youth enroll as regular members once they are nine years old or entering the fourth grade by December 31 of the program year. Home schooled children are to enroll based on their chronological age. Youth remain eligible for membership until December 31 of the year in which they turn 19 years old.
How Much Does It Cost To Join 4-H?
Currently the youth member fee is $26.00 and the adult volunteer fee is $12.00. The costs include a minimal insurance fee (for accident and illness coverage) and county participation fee (for youth) to cover cost of county events, supplies and curriculum. Some projects may require an investment to get started, please be sure to ask the project leader.
I Don't Live on a Ranch. Can I Join 4-H?
If you live in a town or city, you can participate in 4-H activities with pets or small animals, foods and nutrition, mini gardens, photography, woodworking, robotics, leadership and more!
What Will I Do in 4-H?
4-H members chose projects that interest them. You attend meetings, participate in new learning experiences, and may be involved in making presentations and community service projects. You may also want to participate in 4-H camps, the county fair, or take a trip to other states and countries.
Can my parent/guardian be involved?
Yes, the 4-H program depends on adult volunteers... often the parents/guardians of members who are willing to invest their time, energy, resources and skills to lead projects and provide educational experiences for the youth in their community. Volunteer leaders must be 18 years old. To chaperone, volunteer leaders must be 25 years of age.
How do I become a certified 4-H volunteer?
University of California policy requires that adults enroll in 4-H, pass a background screening check and attend an orientation before they can work with youth. The v
What opportunities are there for volunteers?
At the club level, adult volunteers may take on the following positions:
- Community Leader or Co-Community Club Leader
- Project Leader
- Enrollment Chairman
- Committee Chairman
- Chaperone or Driver for events
- Work in Food Botth
- Or other club designated duties
Mission:
The Mission of the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program is to engage youth in reaching their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.
4-H Motto: "To Make The Best Better"
4-H Club Goals:
The goals of the 4-H program are to help young people:
- Develop initiative and assume responsibility
- Develop leadership and be of service to others
- Develop the ability to live and work cooperatively with others
- Acquire knowledge and skills and explore careers
- Achieve satisfaction from work and accomplishments
- Choose from alternatives and plan satisfying lives
- Develop positive self image
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 Emblem
The 4-H Emblem is a four-leaf clover with the letter "H" on each leaf. The four "H"s stand for: Head, Heart, Hands Health. The leaves of the clover are green and the "H"s are white. The white is for purity, green is nature's most common color and symbolizes youth, life and growth.
