4-H is one of the oldest and most effective programs of non-formal education in Hawaii. The 4-H classroom is a world of real hands-on projects and demonstrations, leadership development, and personal economics. 4-H teaches pride in workmanship and accomplishments, personal interaction with peers, and respect for the environment.

Supernova 4-H members preparing for the 2009 "First Lego League" season with their robot

4-H assists young people in developing life skills and in forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directed, productive, and contributing members of society. 4-H strives to help young people, to help "make the best better" through programs that emphasize learning by doing. 4-H reaches approximately 35,000 young people annually throughout the State of Hawaii.

Maui 4-H livestock club members pose during the 2009 Upcountry Fair awards ceremony

4-H helps young people develop quality friendships with adults and peers from around the world.

Molokai 4-H Clover Lopers take a break from learning Horsemanship skills to pose

4-H teaches youth important life skills such as leadership, decision-making, and personal coping skills and helps them acquire and use knowledge.

Maui delegates participate in a gene extraction experiment at the 2009 Ahaolelo Leadership Conference at the University of Hawaii Manoa campus

4-H is a program about our future...our youth. It's an organization that is constantly changing to meet the needs of young people in today's world.

The 4-H program is open to all youth between the ages of 5-19, regardless of sex, race, color, or religious belief. If you are interested in joining a club in your area, or starting up a club of your own, or becoming involved as a youth leader call the Cooperative Extension Service at 244-3242.

• Visit the Hawai'i 4-H Program or check out the latest Hawai'i 4-H brochure.
  
• Read the latest edition of the Maui 4-H Communiqué or the National 4-H Newsletter, the Clover Corner News.

• Need to enroll for the coming 4-H year? Need to get started on your record book?
  It's never too early...visit the 4-H Forms page.