White Pine County 4-H Youth Development Program

National 4-H History

In the late 1890's and into the early 1900's, 4-H programs began throughout the country in response to young people and their needs for a better agricultural education. New agricultural production technology was being researched, but the farming community did not readily accept new ideas or techniques. Later the boys and girls clubs would be established to meet this need. Young people taught their families new techniques of corn growing, sewing, raising livestock, gardening, and canning that they learned in their 4-H clubs. This community club model engaged youth through "learning by doing." Most states organized clubs outside of schools with parents serving as volunteer leaders and educators providing appropriate educational materials.No one individual is credited with originating the 4-H program but rather the program was founded through collective efforts of several individuals over the course of a few years.

4-H FB_IMG_1598309260461Emblem

"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 federal4-H Emblem protection makes it a mark into and of itself with protection that supersedes the limited authorities of both a trademark and a copyright. As a result, responsibility and stewardship for the 4-H Name & Emblem were not given to the U.S. Patent Office but were given to a higher level of the federal government, a member of the Cabinet, the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary has responsibility for the 4-H Name and Emblem, at the direct request of Congress. The '18 USC 707' is the statement in the United States Code that outlines the protection of the 4-H Name & Emblem."

— From National 4-H Headquarters

4-H Colors

Green is nature's most common color, represents life, growth and youth. White symbolizes purity and high ideals.

4-H Pledge

The 4-H pledge describes how 4-H helps youth develop and grow in positive ways.

  • Head stands for decision making, planning, organizing, problem solving and using knowledge throughout life.
  • Heart stands for strong personal values, positive self-concept, concern for others, cooperation and communication.
  • Hands stands for volunteering, community service, preparing for the world of work, science and technology literacy, and useful skills.
  • Health stands for healthy lifestyles, character, ethics, stress management and disease prevention.

"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 Motto: "To Make the Best Better"

The 4-H motto encourages each member to do his or her best and improve the next time, so his or her "best" becomes "better." Members stretch their abilities and capacities to reach their full potential.

4-H Slogan: "Learn by Doing"

The philosophy of the 4-H program provides opportunities for youth to gain "hands-on" experience to enhance their learning.

4-H in White Pine County and the surrounding areas are a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

  • The White Pine County 4-H Youth Development Program has a variety of programs for youth ages 5 to 19 that allows them to develop, create and engage in fun age-appropriate learning activities. There is a range of curriculum and delivery methods in the three different communities of the county: Ely/McGill/Steptoe Valley, Lund/Duckwater/Currant and Goshute/Callao/Ibapah areas.
  • Throughout the year, opportunities abound for 4-H youth are often in the summer months. Nevada State 4-H Camp is awarded in August as it is time for the traditional fair and rodeo. During the winter the weekends are full of 4-H activities. The spring months become busy with livestock season beginning and the annual county junior livestock show starting in August.
    • While all these seasonal events are occurring other 4-H programs, such as dog clubs, cooking clubs, and arts and crafts groups, are also holding their own activities. In White Pine County, not only are the traditional 4-H clubs offered, but shooting sports happen to be one of the most active programs in White Pine County. Where 4-H members learn firearm safety, precision, and accuracy while operating and owning firearms.
  • The heart of 4-H youth development is our faithful and trained adult volunteer leaders. If you or your children are looking for an enjoyable and quality experience. Look into joining the White Pine County 4-H Youth Development Program.