Programs

The fun and learning starts in 4-H Programs! We have a wide variety of high quality, hands-on programs that are organized around the areas in the list below. Detailed information can be viewed at the Virginia Cooperative Extension website.* Curriculum Areas:  Animal Science The 4-H Animal Science Programs provide a wide variety and depth of educational opportunities for youth from every corner of Virginia, most of which involve working directly with live animals of all types. Some of the most popular animals in this program area include; dogs, cattle, cats, chickens, horses, pigs, rabbits, and sheep. You can also learn about animals without owning one. These projects teach: Responsible care and well-being of animals. Life Skills like decision-making and communication skills through judging events and oral presentations. Awareness of the practices in animal agriculture. The safe and appropriate use of animal products. Scientific principles. The 4-H Animal Science Programs allow the youth to practice and demonstrate what they learn at numerous supporting activities like fairs, judging contests, shows, educational bowls, and presentation contests. Virginia has a very successful record in these competitions at the Regional and National levels. These programs also help youth become aware of career opportunities in the animal agricultural industries which represents 57 percent of the total income from agriculture in Virginia. Virginia's animal agriculture industries strongly support these program areas.   Careers and Economic Education Careers and Economic Education programs relate to work and development of the entrepreneurial spirit! In Career Exploration you can learn how your own abilities and interests play a role in choosing and preparing for a successful career. Through Consumer and Personal Finance 4-H members learn how to set realistic goals and meet them, how to make time and money go farther, and how to exercise their consumer rights and responsibilities. The concept of “Youth as Entrepreneurs” is emphasized. Career Exploration Consumer & Personal Finance Youth Entrepreneurship Citizenship The 4-H Citizenship program stresses community mindfulness by teaching you to make connections with local, state, and federal governments, voicing concerns, and offering pro-active solutions to community problems. Service learning projects are encouraged. 4-H also offers intra- and interstate as well as international exchange opportunities to increase your awareness of diversity and appreciation of other cultures. Citizenship International Adult Opportunities in 4-H Citizenship Education   Communications & Expressive Arts 4-H projects in this area include the creative and performing arts, photography, presentations, and public speaking. Your ability to communicate effectively is a basic skill for success in life and is sought by many employers. Public speaking is a cornerstone of 4-H. Sharing what you have learned through a presentation or a speech is encouraged in all 4-H projects.   Family Sciences The 4-H Family Science 4-H projects offer you opportunities in the areas of self-care, personal presentation, sewing, clothing construction, and consumer clothing purchases. Other projects include babysitting, working with older adult friends, responsibility in being home alone, and interior design. Clothing & Textiles Family Life   Foods, Nutrition, and Health Helping youth develop good eating habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle is a key initiative in Virginia 4-H. Many projects incorporate how food is produced explaining the food journey from farmer to consumer, food buying skills, and food label reading. As a participant in these projects you will learn how to plan nutritious menus, handle food safely, incorporate exercise into daily living, and prepare tasty, nutritious snacks and meals. The 4-H Health projects help young people recognize the value of good health, the relationship between good health practices and their own health and that growth is unique to each individual. Foods & Nutrition Health   Leadership and Personal Development As a 4-H member you can develop and practice life skills through leadership opportunities such as planning club, county/city events, organizing community service projects, leading your club as an officer, and serving as mentors for younger members. You will learn that there are many ways to be a leader and by practicing your leadership skills you will gain confidence. In addition, you will learn the building blocks of good character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Leadership Personal Development   Natural Resources and Environmental Education The Natural Resources and Environmental Education program of 4-H offers many different projects in wildlife, forestry, fishing, outdoor adventure, and environmental education. Through these projects you learn to think critically about the natural world and sustainable living. Shooting education, water and energy conservation, global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and aquatic and marine sciences add exciting experiences that teach you to protect the environment while using hands-on resources. Forestry GPS / GIS Aquatic & Marine Science Environmental Sciences Outdoor Adventure Shooting Education Wildlife Wood Sciences   Plants, Soils, and Entomology In these projects you will learn about the natural world and how to conserve the beauty of the environment. By exploring the world of horticulture, soils and insects you will learn to grow a garden for home use, grow plants for profit, and learn how intertwined our culture is with insects. Land appreciation and soils judging provide you with the opportunity to study the characteristics of soils, compare different types of soils, and to determine their best uses. Entomology projects include learning important science inquiry skills through collecting, preserving, and identifying, and classifying insects are important parts. Horticulture & Gardening Land Appreciation & Soils Entomology   Science, Engineering, and Technology 4-H SET projects help you learn high-tech skills and give you hands-on application of science skills through biotechnology, robotics, computer technology, space and flight, and engineering sciences. You will learn to observe, ask thoughtful questions, predict outcomes, and conduct experiments. You can become a scientist right in your 4-H club! Aerospace Biotechnology Computers Electric Energy Engineering Sciences Robotics Small Engines Science Inquiry Woodworking We encourage you to contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office for more details. Extension staff can inform you of other resources, programs, and events in your area of interest. In addition, they can put you in touch with other adults and youth who share your interests. VRS Club requriements include completing at least one project book of your choosing and participating in either a public speaking or presentation contest. * Program descriptions obtained from the Virginia Cooperative Extention website.