Publications
Information for 4-H Parents
4-H Volunteer Leaders' Series
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Parent Cooperation Important
• 4-h Is . . .
• Parent Willingness
Questionnaire
• Responsibilities of
Parents
• Responsibilities of
4-H Members
Parent Cooperation
Important
Parents help their 4-H'er gain support, self-confidence,
assistance and a feeling of security. It is an opportunity for parents to spend
more time with their child on practical, educational experiences that supplement
the teaching of the home, school and church.
4-H Is . . .
• The official youth organization of the Cooperative Extension
Service, a division of the University of Arkansas
• An informal educational program for:
- Boys and girls
- Ages 5 to 19
- Urban and rural
• 4-H members:
- Belong to a club
- Enroll in a project
- Keep a record of their projects
- Participate in activities such as shows, contests, workshops
and camps
- Participate in club meetings and activities that benefit the
4-H'er and the community
• 4-H projects are educational and practical. They are for both
urban and rural boys and girls. Project work enables young people to:
- Learn facts and skills useful in everyday life
- Learn skills not taught in school
- Learn more about educational and career opportunities
- Learn desirable, personal standards for conduct, work and
health
- Learn to work and play with others
- Learn to be a leader
- Learn to be a good citizen
- Make new acquaintances and friends
- Earn and save money for the future
- Receive recognition for work well done
• Awards such as:
- Certificates for completing projects
- Ribbons and medals for outstanding project work
- Recognition through pictures and news articles
- Scholarships
The greatest reward will be the personal satisfaction of a job
well done.
Parent Willingness
Questionnaire
All 4-H parents are asked to complete a parent willingness
questionnaire entitled "Sure I'd Like to Help." This questionnaire indicates to
the club leaders what parents are willing to do related to 4-H at home, club and
county levels.
Responsibilities of
Parents
Parental interest and encouragement are major influences on
young 4-H'ers. If parents are involved right from the beginning, chances are
high for a successful 4-H experience.
Some of the major responsibilities of 4-H parents are listed
below:
• Assist child in selecting a 4-H project he or she can do
and will enjoy.
• Read the project book your child receives. You will find
ways you can help your child with the project.
• Serve as a "4-H Project Home Helper" to your child. This
means you don't do the work for the child, but you guide and assist.
• Attend 4-H club meetings and activities with your child as
often as possible. This will help you understand the type assistance your
child needs.
• Read the 4-H mail that comes to your home. This will help
you stay up-to-date on what is going on. You will be able to remind your
child of upcoming events and due dates.
• Encourage your child to attend 4-H meetings and activities.
You should make sure your child has a way to get to the events.
• Offer to assist the 4-H club leaders with specific tasks.
• Provide light refreshments for your child's 4-H club
meeting when requested.
• Lend your kitchen, backyard, living room, garage or
basement for an occasional 4-H club meeting when requested.
• Share a hobby, skill or interest of yours with 4-H club
members during a meeting or workshop.
• Assist your child in keeping records on his or her 4-H
work. A 4-H member is to keep a written record of what they do in 4-H. This
includes 4-H project work, demonstrations given, awards received, leadership
positions held and community service involvement.
Responsibilities of
4-H Members
4-H parents need to know what is expected of the 4-H member in
order to effectively assist their child. The goal of 4-H is to meet the basic
needs of youth and help them acquire essential life skills through planned
"learn by doing" experiences. The 4-H program provides its members with many
opportunities. It helps develop skills and interests. It offers trips and
scholarships for those that put forth that extra effort. It is the
responsibility of the 4-H member to get involved and to take advantage of the
opportunities provided in 4-H.
Some of the major responsibilities of the 4-H member are listed
below:
• Complete an application for 4-H membership card at the
beginning of each 4-H year and give to the 4-H club organizational leader.
• Select a 4-H project with the help of your parents.
• Read the 4-H project book you receive and do the activities
in the book.
• Attend and participate in 4-H club meetings and activities.
• Attend and participate in county, district and state
activities, workshops and programs when possible.
• Help plan and support 4-H club activities - community
service, fund-raising, etc.
• Read the 4-H mail that comes to your home. Share this
information with your parents.
• Keep a current and up-to-date 4-H calendar of meetings and
activities. Ask parents to remind you of upcoming events and due dates.
• Ask your parent, relative or other adult to serve as a 4-H
project home helper to assist you with your 4-H project.
• Serve as an officer of the club or on a committee when
asked.
• Take an active part in the 4-H club meeting.
• Prepare a written record of your 4-H project work and turn
in to the 4-H club leader at the appropriate time.
• Share a hobby, skill or interest of yours with other 4-H
club members during a meeting or workshop.
• Keep parents informed about 4-H club meetings, projects and
activities.
• Since most groups or clubs are judged by the behavior of
individual members, it is the responsibility of the 4-H member to
conduct himself/herself at all times during 4-H meetings and activities in a
manner that would be a credit to the individual, the family, the 4-H club,
the county and the state.
| Author: |
Darlene Baker, Ph.D., State Leader -
4-H Youth and Development |
DR. DARLENE Z. BAKER is state leader 4-H youth
development, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas, Little Rock.
4HCG2-PD-10-02RV
|
