4

Organization of

4-H CLUB WORK

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7

U. S. DEPARTMENT. OF AGRICULTURE,

Asriculture Handbook No. 33, Í952

I
CONTENTS

Page

Introduction 1

Distinguishing features of 4-H Qub work 1

Objectives 2

The ten 4-H guideposts 2

Eligibility for membership 3

Price of membership 3

The national 4-H Club creed 3

The national 4-H Club pledge 4

The national 4-H citizenship pledge 4

The 4-H Club motto 4

The 4-H Club slogans 4

The 4-H Club emblem and colors 5

Typical demonstrations 5

Relationships 6

General organization 7

The local volunteer leader _. 9

Basic principles of procedure in program making 11

Development of young people, the first consideration 11

Development of the program by members themselves 12

Incentives 13

Purposeful activities 14

Opportunity to learn to do by doing 14

Ownership to stimulate and maintain interest and develop a

sense of responsibility 14

Active participation in general community activities to develop community consciousness 15

Instructions so simple and definite that volunteer leaders are

able to follow easily 15

Challenging tasks or problems to solve 16

Flexible req[uirements 16

Progressive steps 17

Varied activities 17

Element of novelty 18

Feeling of success 18

Development of social ideals 19

Group programs 19

Vital issues 19

Contacts with other groups 19

Sharing responsibility 20

Respect for the laws of the majority 21

Good fellowship 21

Development of leadership within the group 21

Opportunity to assume responsibility 21

Opportunity for growth 22

Opportunity to do one thing well 22

General 4-H Club activities 23

Team demonstrations 23

Work in judging 24

Special 4-H Club days 24

Dramatics, pageants, and music 24

Tours and nature hikes 25

Camps 25

Exhibits 27

4-H Club events at State agricultural colleges 27

Special ceremonies .* 27

Summary of character-building methods in 4-H Club work 28
ORGANIZATION OF 4-H CLUB WORK

A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS

By GERTRUDE L. WARREN, Oigiiiii.:ation, 4-S Club Work, Division of Field

Coordiiuition, Ed'tcnsion Service

INTRODUCTION

4-H CLUB WORK for rural boys and girls is a part of the national agricultural extension system wliieh reaches every State

in the United States. Puerto Rico, and the Territories of Alaska

and Hawaii. It is being developed also in many foreign countries.

This system was organized by the United States Department of

Agriculture in coojDeration with the State colleges of agriculture and

the county extension organizations under the provisions of the

Smith-Lever Act of lOli and other acts of Congress and of State

legislatures authorizing the establishment of agricultural extension

•work and making appropriations for it. 4—H Clubs usually are

organized and conducted under the innnediate supervision of county

extension agents cooperatively employed by the Department of Agriculture, the State colleges of agriculture, and county governments.

Clerg)-men, teachers, and other professional men and women, together with outstanding farmers and homemakers, play an important

part as local leaders in the development of this work which readies

ahnost 2 million rural young people each year.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF 4^H CLUB WORK

Each 4—H Club member does a piece of work, under the supervision

of the county extension agent, that will demonstrate or teach the

better way in homemaking or agriculture. Problems are faced in the

farm homes, the fields, the barns, the orchards, the gardens, and

the various community meeting places. In fact, farm boys and girls

through the 4-H Club program, which in turn is an integral part

of the community or county extension program, are brought into

intimate contact with the many interwoven problems of their own

home and community life. Through the various worth-while 4-H

Club activities involved, an effort is made to bring to each member

the fine things in rural life and to develop in the young people

reached those attitudes and ideals that make for upstanding manhood and womanhood. This, in turn, will make for spiritual as

well as progi'essive rural leadership. Each member keeps a record

of costs, labor, and results; explains the work to others; makes an

exhibit; and writes a final report which summarizes the whole year's

work and oftentimes recounts the changed attitudes experienced

through the activities undertaken.

Agriculture Handbook Xo. 3:5 % Issued Felirnai-y liir.2

'Otevisioii of :\lisc. I'nh. ;',120.'

981661°—52 1 1
2 AGR. HANDBOOK NO. 3 3, U. S. DEFT. OF AGRICULTURE

OBJECTIVES

Tlie distinctive, educational obiectives in 4-H Club work arise out

of the siiecilic Federal and State le.oal authorizations for the work

and Nation-wide exi^erience with the activity. In the Smith-Lever

Act of 11» 14 there appears the following declaration of purpose

underlyinii' P^nleral aid to the Extension Service:

* * * t(i aid in diffusiiii;- ainoii^' the people of the United States useful and

practieal information on sulijects rehUins to asTieultme and home eeonomu-s,

and to eucourase the applii-ation of the same, * * " . , ^ ^,

Tliat cooperative aiiricnltnral extension worlv- shall consist of the giving ot

instruction and practical demonstrations in agriculture and home economics to

nei-sons not attending or resident in said colleges in the several communities, and

imparting to su<-h persons information on said subjects through held demonstrations, publications, and otherwise ; * * *

4-H Club work is a specialized educational enterprise for rural

youth. As such, it shares in the objectives common to all educational

institutions and movements in its concern with the development of

individual abilities and capacities for learning, intellectual and moral

character, qualities of eifective citizenship, and the like—all having a

dehnite relationshii.) to the development of the "heart H." Its distinctive educational objectives are:

1. To help rural boys and girls develop desirable ideals and standards for

farming, homemuking,' community life, and citizenship, and a sense of responsibility for their attainment.

2. Ï0 give rural boys and girls technical instruction in farming and homemaking, thai they may ac(iuire skill and understanding in these field.s and a

clearer vision of agriculture as a basic industry, and of homemaking as a worthy

occupation.

;;. To provide rural boys and girls an opportunity to learn by doing, through

conducting certain farm and home enterprises, and demonstrating to others

what they have learned.

4. To inslitl in the minds of rural boys and girls an intelligent understanding

and appreciation of nature and of their environment.

'). To teach rural b..ys and girls the \alue of research, and to develop in

them a scientitic attitude toward the problems of the farm and the home.

6. To train rural boys and girls in cooperati\e action, that they may increase

their at'comijl'ishments, and, through associated efforts, may better assist in

solving rural iiroblems,

7. To develop in rural boys and girls habits of healthful living, to provide

them with information and direction in the intelligent use of leisure, and to

arou.se in them worthy ambitions and a desire to continue to learn, that they

may live fuller and richer lives.

.s'. To demonstrate to rural boys and girls methods designed to improve practices in agriculture and homemaking, to the end that farm incomes may be

increased, standards of living improved, and the satisfactions of farm life

enhanced.

THE TEN 4-H GUIDEPOSTS

In brief, to help prejiare tomorrow's citizens physically, mentally,

and spiritually, 4-II ('bib work jn'ovides opiwrtunities for voluntary

participation in ])rograms, built on needs and interests, through which

rural boys and girls are—

1. Developing talents for greater usefulness.

2. .Joining with friends for work, fun; and fellowship.

:i. Learning to live in a changing world.

4. f'hoosing a way to earn a living.

5. Producing food and über for home and market.
4-H CLUB WORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 3

6. Creating better homes for better living.

7. Conserving nature's resources for security and happiness.

8. Building health for a strong America.

9. Sharing responsibilities for counnnnity improvement.

10. Serving as citizens in maintaining world peace.

ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP

Any rural boy, or girl, within the age limits set by his State extension service, who is able to equip himself to carry on a demonstration

of some better farming or homemaking activity, may become a member

of a 4-H Club. Tlie age limits usually are 10 and '20 years.

FIGURE 1.—.Man} ^atisla( tions are rcalizeil througli ownership.

PRICE OF ME^rBERSHIP

The price of membersliip in 4-H Clubs is tliat each boy or girl shall

do a piece of work that will teach the better way in homemaking or

agriculture. A few 4-H Clubs have, with the unanimous consent of

their members, nominal dues, but dues have no place in the national

policy of 4-H Club work as a public agency.

THE NATIONAL 4-H CLUB CREED

Parallel with the development of State 4-H Club creeds, there has

developed the following national 4-H Club creed :

I believe in 4-H Club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a

useful citizen.
4 ACK. HANDBOOK XO. 33, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

I believe in the training of my HEAD for tlie power it will give me to think,

to plan, and to reason.

I believe in the training of my HEART for the imlileness it will give me to

become kind, svnipathelie, and trne.

I Ix'lieve in the training of my HANDS for tlie ability it will give me to be

helpfnl, useful, and skillful.

1 believe in the training of my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to

enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work eíHciently.

I "believe in my cinmtry, my State, and my community, and in my responsibility for their develoimient.

In" all these things f believe, and I am willing to dedicate my efforts to their

fulöllment.

THE NATIONAL 4-H CLUB PLEDGE

The nationitl 4-H Club ])le(lge has met a popular response throughout the United States, particularly in the development of the "heart

H." At regular i-H meetings, achievement days, and other club

events, the giving of the pledge has a prominent place. In 1927, at

the National 4-H Club Camp held in Washington, D. C, the State

club leaders voted for the following pledge :

'My Head to clearer thinking,

aiy Heart to greater loyalty,

I Pledged ]My Hands to larger sei'vice, and

My Healtli to better living, for

>My CJub, my Community, and my Country.

THE NATIONAL 4-H CITIZENSHIP PLEDGE

We, individually and collectively, pledge our efforts from day to day to flght

for the ideals of this Nation.

¡^Ye will never allow tyranny and injustice to become enthroned in this, our

coimtry, through indifference to our duties as citizens.

We will strive for intellectual honest.y and exercise it through our power of

franchise. We will oliey the laws of our land and endeavor increasingly to

quicken the sense of public duty among our fellow men.

We will strive for indiviilnal pei-fection and for social betterment. We will

devote our talents to the improvement of our homes and our communities in their

recreational, social, and spiritual needs.

We will endeavor to transmit this Nation to posfority not merely as we found

it, but freer, happier, and more beautiful than when it was transmitted to us.

THE 4-H CLUB MOTTO

As in the case of the 4-H Club pledge, much emphasis is phxced on

the -l^H Club motto—To Make the Best Better, not only in the building of character and citizenship but in the raising of project standards. To Make the Best Better should be the aim of every club

member and should be used as his guide in daily living.

THE 4-H CLUB SLOGANS

4-H Club slogans vary in different States. Oftentimes they are

developed by the members when planning the club program for the

year. Some of the most common are: Be your own best exhibit,

Learn to do by doing. To beat my own best record, To win without

boasting and to lose without frowning, and Phm our work and work

our plan.
4-H CLUB WORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 5

THE 4-H CLUB EMBLEM AND COLORS

The national -J—H Club emblem is the foiiv-leaf clover -with the

letter ''H'' on each leaf. The national 4-H Club colors are green and

white. The white background of the JHî Hag symbolizes purity ; the

green of the 4—H emblem represents nature's most connnou color in

the great out-of-doors and also is emblematic of youth, life, and

orowth.

o

TYPICAL DEMONSTRATIONS

Because of the various types of agriculture in the United States,

many different phases of homemaking and farm demonstration may

be undertaken by J—H Club members as an integi-al part of county

extension programs. For example, in homemaking activities, a club

member may grow a garden in keeping with the dietary needs of the

family, and can the suridus garden products; plan, prepai-e, and serve

attractive and healthful meals; make or select for herself and otlaer

members of the family, attractive, suitable clothing in keeping with

the family budget ; keep personal accounts; assume a share of responsibility fur daily household tasks; at times, take over the management

of the home when mother is on a vacation at the State college or

summer camp ; render more comfortable and satisfying the home itself ;

add to the attractiveness and beauty of the exterior of the home by

planting native shrubs and trees; or help mother in the intelligent

care of younger brothers and sisters.

In agricultural-club activities a member may voluntarily, under

the direction of his local leader and county extension agent and in

accordance with the county extension program, grow an acre or more

of cotton, corn, or some other crop ; raise a garden, market such fi'csh

vegetables and fruits as may be practicable to sell, and can the surplus; raise a flock of ¡poultry; purchase, breed, and care for a sow,

and for her litter of pigs, to maturity ; care for a dairy calf to maturity, and build a dairy herd; run and repair farm machinery; or

conduct some other agricultural phase of work that will meet a farm

or community need.

From the standpoint of the "heart H" in demonstration work much

emphasis is placed on the service that may be rendered in the home

and on the home farm, the assistance that may be given younger club

members and others of the connnunity, and the humane treatment

that should be accorded farm animals and wildlife. At the university of Missouri, in the study made by Germane and Germane,- there

was apparent agreement with Hartshorne and May, eminent psychologists of Yale University, who stated that -J-H Club work is one of

the greatest character-building agencies in the United States, inasmuch as in meeting actual life situations on the farm and in the home,

die school, or the community, it gaiides young people in making

important and far-reaching decisions that give definite character

training through the fornmtion of good habits in thinking and acting. Germaneand Germane pointed out in their S-month study of

-IIUITIN, T T BRIEF REPORT OF BOYS' AXri GIRLS' 4-H CI.DB WORK IN MISSOURI AND

SOME RESEARCH STUDIES. Mo. Agr. Col. Ext. No. 538, 8 pp. 1086. [Mimeographed.]
6 ACiK. HANDBOOK XO. 33, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

the members of a typical Missouri 4-H baby-beef club, that the

following positive character traits were developed:

1. Self-reliance, industry, and responsibility in doing their own work.

2. Initiative and creative tliinklng in planning work and meeting obstacles.

3. Thrift, judgment, honesty, and accuracy in buying and selling animals and

in keeping records.

4. Patience, carefulness, vision, perseverance, and "sticli-to-itiveness" in working on a long-time goal.

5. Cooperation and respect for others in showing one's own animals, in reaching club goals, and in seeing what othei's can do.

RELATIONSHIPS

4-H Club work emphasizes the home. In fact, 4-H Club work is

home work. The practical work of the club—the demonstration—

usually is done on the home farm or in the home of the club members.

Often, club meetings are held in the home. This home work of the

club member is of more importance than is commonly appreciated.

There, at home, with a task in keeping with his ability, the club

member has the best opportunity for growth and development. By

trying new ways of doing practical things in his own home environment and checking results, he makes many improvements in wellestablished home-and-farm practices that win the approval of the

entire familj^ group and thus make for family solidarity.

Moreover, the work of 4-H Club members in the home develops

common experiences that make the work of the club grf)up more

worth while, and any outstanding accomplishment in relation to the

home is apt to bring a type of group approval not otherwise attained.

In this connection, the club member who has the active interest and

cooperation of parents naturally accomplishes more. This larger

accomplishment not only helps to develop more capable young people

at home but also sets standards for other members of the club. Club

work may fail largely in its purpose when parents are not actively

interested and cooperative (fíg. 2).

4-H Club work has a definite relationship to the i-ural community,

particularly through the general agricultural extension program.

Not only are its activities" woven into the very fiber of the communit3',_but its leadership represents the best manhood and womanhood of each commimity. To an increasing extent rural young

people are planning their own programs as an integral part of general community and county extension programs, and the problems

involved in such programs are being recognized by young people in

relation to their own 4-H programs. In this work local volunteer

leaders are playing a large part. Just as the great leaders of history

have dealt with the immediate and pressing problems of life, just

as they, by word and act, have led men to a finer sense of their individual and corporate obligations, so do volunteer leaders of 4-H

Clubs thmk in terms that will, in turn, develop rural youth and,

through the solvmg of conununity problems, help these young people

to realize their best possible selves and have as their own a finer and

more wholesome philosophy of life. Experience has shown that

rural youth are slow to follow any leader, however clever and adroit

he may be, who lacks devotion and loyalty to deep moral principles and
4-H CLUB WORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 7

spiritual ideals and fails to assume resi:)onsibility in c(jininunity affairs.

Experience has also shown that the local leader who is most successful

is one who knows his community best, particularly in relation to its

young people and their needs, interests, and possibilities.

In connection with this phase of 4-H Club work. Hartshorne and

Pendry^ call attention to the fact that one of the fundamental reasons for the great value of -1—H Club work as a character-building

program is that its activities are wholly integrated with the economic

lifeof the community. In sunnnarizing they state that the consciousness of his own importance and the im^jortance of the 4-H activity in

the Avelfare of the community lead the member to manifest those

qualities of worth and integrity that make character.

ilGCRE 2.—Club meetings are held in tlie lionie, and work is done cillur tlure or on

tile home farm.

GENERAL ORGANIZATION

All the 4-H Club work in a county is under the direction of a ccninty

extension agent : A club agent if the county has one ; if not, the agricultural agent and the home demonstration agent, who assume joint responsibility. The county extension agent, under the general direction

of the State extension oihce, supervises the organization of 4-H Clubs,

guides the formulation of the club program for the year, supplies

'PEXDRY, EMZABETH R., anfl HARTSUCIRNB. HroH. ORGANIZATIONS FOR YOUTH:

LEI.SURE TIME AND CHARACTER EI'ILDING PROCEDURES, 35S pp. New Toi'k and LondOll.

1935. See pp. 78-79.
8 AGR. HANDBOOK XO. 33, U, S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

State and Federal bulletins, advises with members of the comity 4-H

Club council or committee and the local club leaders, conducts such

o-;itherings as county -i-H camps, club picnics, round-ups, exhibits,

fairs, and achievement days ; that is, generally supervises club work in

the county.

In addition to the local leaders, who are residents of the community and who assume responsibility for the work of each club, a

county 4-H Club council or sponsoring committee is usually developed.

Such a council or committee may be composed of local leaders, parents,

ex])erieuced members, and others interested in the 4-H Club program, or it may be appointed by some sponsoring group such as a

homemakers' cliib, a school, or some farm organization. Under the

guidance of county extension agents, such county club councils or

sponsoring connnittees are becoming increasingly important. They

usually study the needs of the county, plan county 4—H activities, plan

and carr}' on an improvement program for all lo<.'al leaders, and perform other duties as situations change and needs arise.

Forms of organization for the local clubs vary in different States.

In some States a clul) is composed of boys and girls doing only one

kind of work, and in others the club is a connnunity organization to

which all boj'S and girls who are eligible may belong, and each may

select the line of work most desired. A 4—H Club usually has a local

club leader who is a resident of the community and assumes general

responsibility for the work; club oihcers, such as a president, vice

president, secretary, often a treasurer, a news reporter, and chairmen of various committees for which a need has been felt, such as

pn^gram and social connnittees. Oftentimes these local groups may

affiliate to form a community 4-H Club, which, in turn, meets regularly in connection with general club activities. The "standard

club," believed by many leaders to be one of the most important

mileposts in the development of 4-H Club work, has requirements

that vary throughout the country, but in a number of States they are

as follows :

1. Each club shall have a membership of at least five woi-kiiig on the same

enterprise.

2. There shall be a local leader in charge during the club year.

3. There shall be a local club organization v.'itli necessary officers and with

duties as prescribed in a clnb constitution.

4. There shall be a definite program of work for the year.

5. There shall be a le;ist six regular club meetings during the year. The

secretary shall be required to keep definite records of these meetings and also

of the progress of each member.

6. A local exhibit shall be held annually by the club members.

7. There shall be a club demonstration team which must give at least one

public demonstration in the hume community.

8. At least 60 percent of the memliers must complete the farm or home

denKjnstraticiii and file a final report with the county or State club leader

'.1. A .iudging team shall be chosen by tlie membei-s.

10. An achievement-day program shall be held at the completion of the work

io ivf "^ ! *^ "" '^"'*^^ Hiemliership in the county extension organization

1-. When the first four requirements have been met, a standard ciub charter

IS issued. When all the requirements hav« been met for any one year a seal

of achievement IS awarded. " ^^ >-< • ^

Thousands of such standard cltib groups have been organized, all

of them domg definite farm and home demonstration work in keeping

with the general extension program. They hold regular meetings,

exchange experiences, and raise their own Standards. The fact that
4-H CLUB WORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 9

these clubs liave increased in niiniber each year reinforces the l)elief

that 4-H young people, thi'ough their own connnunity organization,

are furnishing a potential force in connnunity development wlúch is

doing much toward improving general farm and lionie conditions.

In organizing a homemaking or agricultural club, young people

should be led to elect their own officers, appoint their own committees,

and make up their own programs. Before the election takes place,

an explanation of the duties of officers and tlieir importance to the

success of the club usually will lead the members to vote for those young

people most able to do the work required. Officers and members of

committees sliould be led to assume full responsibility. Training

schools for them alone may be held. Equally imp(jrtant is jn-actice in

parliamentary procedure, which affords an excellent opportunity for

the development of leadership and "followership"' on the part of all.

Throughout, the function of the adult leader is to study the members

of the group carefully so that he may skillfully guide them to react

ill a constructive way to the different situations that may arise in the

group. And especially, members sliould learn to be loyal to tlie group

as a whole as well as to each individual ui^on whom responsibilty lias

been placed.

Probably the most important phase of the 4-H Club organization

is the regular meeting. It is held at stated intervals, at least once a

month and often every 2 weeks. Most clubs follow a year-round

program. Members conduct their meetings along ijarliamentary lines ;

carry out a program planned by them in advance, in wliicli tlie

progress of their respective activities is presented and difficulties are

discussed; give demonstrations pertaining to their farm and Injiiiemaking activities; sing, play, and carry on other activities of interest

to young people under the guidance of the local leader. Often the

county extension agent also is present to advise with the leader and

members and to assist with any problems tliat may arise.

Programs for 4-H Club meetings usually consist of three paits—

business, demonstrations and discussions of project work, and social

activities. To cany out such programs successfully memljers are

soon interested in varied lines of work, all of which depend largely

on their own voluntary efforts—club goals for tlie year to be determined; tours, hikes, picnics. Mother's Day, Father's Day, and other

special events to be planned; invitations to people of the community

and others skilled in the particular lines of homemaking or agricultural club work being carried on, to attend club meetings to discuss

the work; reports to be made at the general community meetings;

encouragement of other young people of the community to belong to

the club ; demonstration teams to be selected and trained ; local, county,

and State exhibits to be made; selection of delegates to the county

and State encampments and short courses; and invitations to other

clubs to attend meetings.

THE LOCAL VOLUNTEER LEADER

The local leader or club adviser is regarded as important to the

whole 4-H progr-am. This person usually is an outstanding man or

woman of the community who is sufficiently interested in young people

to be willing to spend some time in helping the members to plan their

own program for the year; attend regular club meetings; train niemlIsniiM °--ô2 2
10 AGR. HANDBOOK NO. 3

3, IT. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

bers in various 4-H activities; visit the homes of members to see how

their demonstrations are progressing; give advice and encouragement

when needed; accomi)an\' members to club events outside the community ; and assume responsibility in relation to members general group

activities. , , n . i ^ i ^ j.- j. To succeed with young people, the leader must be tolerant, patient,

and sympathetic toward tlieir shoi'tcomings, and confident that,

in time, they may be

overcome. He or she

must also be of the type

that takes pleasure in

helping other people

(fig. 3). It is doubtful

if anyone can become a

really successful leader

without this capacity

for friendship, understanding, and faith. In

this connection, it is essential that local leaders

render praise when the

work done warrants it.

This approval, in tuni,

develops the interest,

satisfaction, and selfconfidence that are

fundamental to maxinuim effort on the pait

of club members. Young

people need much encouragement if their interest is to to be maintained.

By tactful guidance,

club members may be

led to accept as their

local leader some outstanding pei'son selected by the county extension organization, or to vote, themselves, for a well-qualified person

in the community to be their leader. HoAvever, before anj' such voting, it is desirable to explain carefully to members the qualifications

of a local leader. Thereupon, certain adults of the community may

be considered in relation to these qualifications and others that the

group may think essential. After the voting, the club may go in a

body to make known its wishes to a prospective leader. Few men

and women can resist such an appeal from boys and girls. An increasing number of former club members are volunteering each year

to serve as local leaders.

Any person selected to be a local leader should realize the importance of aiming to stay in the background while helping members to

assume responsibility; studying members and providing situations

that will afford them larger resi^onsibilities as they develop in leadership and "followership-'; recognizing work well done in such a way

lli;it the member will be encouraged to do even better; keeping ahead

FIGURE 3.—The local 4-H Club leader gives help to each

club iiieinber.
4-H CLUB WORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 11

of members of the club group yet seemingly ahvays with them; and

making friendly suggestions rather tlian displaying authority.

It is important that the local leader be conscious of tlie example he

sets. Boys and girls in the teens are prone to make an ideal of an

older person. The local leader is apt to be that person. Unfortunate

is he, who, through carelessness of speech, deception, or evasion of

responsibilty, shatters that ideal. It is equally importnt, too, that

the leader of a 4-H Club maintain a home based on relatively high

standards.

Successful leadership in any work demands careful attention to

plans for the future. The local leader must be constantly anticipating

the next step to be taken by the group in any work under way, and

preparing for it. Otherwise little may be accompli^^hed. It is eciually

essential that the local leader carry club members forward to that

step as the opportunity develops normally. To do this, he must appreciate their viewpoint. Probably the most commonly recognized

qualification of any leader is the ability to carry tlie group along

with him. This, in turn, involves a personality which makes others

Tvilling and glad to be led. That local leader governs most successfully who guides the group into making just decisions, regarding its

own activities, independently. Fortun'ate is the leader who early

learns to nuike constructive suggestions rather than to lay down the

law. Every ostentatious display of authority lessens authority. Any

group in -1—H Club work may be carefully guided to make just decisions if the leader places the responsibility u])on its members, and

leads them to look at all sides of the question before taking action.

In such planned guidance the local leader, if well qualified, is ;in

accepted member of the group (fig. 4), commanding at all times its

respect, sharing in its pleasures and regular activities, providing situations whereby the members may develop initiative, and assuming

leadershii^ when occasion seems to warrant it.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PROCEDURE IN PROGRAM MAKING

DEVELOPMENT OF YOUN'G PEOPLE. THE FIRST CONSIDERATION

In organizing young people in 4-H Club work, as well as in any

other work, it is important for leaders to study constantly what will

make for the best develoi^ment of those involved. The test of any

organization's value is the extent to which each individual in that

organization is given opportunity to develop freely to the limit of

his possibilities or capacities. That no one has a right to stimulate

the interests of boys and girls in any line of work, if, in so doing,

young people are thereby prevented from developing their best possible selves is becoming increasingly recognized. JNIoreover, the organization of 4-H Club work should be based on a sound understanding of the adolescent to the end that his inherent traits may be

capitalized or redirected in proper keeping with his best interests

and the objectives to be reached. In this connection the closely knit

club organization performs a distinct function. The qualities essential to good citizenship, such as community leadership and cooperation, are stimulated, exercised, and often full}' develoxjed in such an

organization.
12 A(;R. HANDBOOK NO. U. S. DEPÏ. OF AGRICULTURE

DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROGRAM BY MEMBERS THEMSELVES

At the time counti-y boys and girls meet to form a homemaknig or

agricultural club, they are told that they, as a group, may develop

their own club program for the year. If there are 10 or more boys

and girls, two or more groups may be formed. However, before any

project choices are made, the atteiition of the whole group usually is

focused by the adult leader on the general community extension program, and their active participation is enlisted to make their community a better place in which to live. Thereby are uncovered life

situations involving issues affecting members' (jwn interests, present

and future, and those of their community as a whole. Thus, if these

young people are interested in following some line of work included

ill the general extension program, .such as improving the livestock of

the connnunity or beautifj'ing the home and community grounds,

three advantages follow :

1. The desire to serve their own couimunity is awakened in keeping with its

present recngnized needs. When the issues seem highly important, maximum

interest is enkindled in a natural, wholesome way. A sense of belonging is

developed. Moreover, valual)le contact with a larger group is realized insofar as

community con.sciousness and a .sense of community responsibility are developed.

2. Members can then take part at general community meetings in discussion.:; and other activities pertaining to their own club work as it relates to

the carrying out of the general community program in whicli their parents and

ueighltDrs also are intensely interested. In other words, a new, interesting

partnership with their parents and neighbor!? is made possible.

.3, A valuable experience may be gained through giving up some immediate

interest for the larger one of trying to make the general home life of the

connnunity as fine as possible.

If, on the other hand, members are not interested in choosing as

their major club activity a phase of the general community program,

FicuaE 4.—The local 4-11 Club leader is an accepted member of the group.
4-H CLUB WORK A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 13

the}' are peniiitted to take up any other phase of homeniaking

or agricultural work, provided the undertaking is economically

sound for that comnuuiity. If one or two of the young people of the group are not interested in the choice of the niajtjrity,

they are permitted to pursue their individual interests, but as members of the group they are encouragecl to take up the line of work

selected by the majority, if it is practical for them to do so. At all

times, the intent is to bring farm girls and boys into contact with

the live problems of the connnunity through representation on committees of leading men and women and members of the county extension staff who meet to consider connnunity needs and interests

and to fonnulate a county extension program. As 4-H Club members, rural boys and girls have a definite part in such programs

through analyses of their own needs, and the making of simple home

and comnnniity surveys. In 4-H food clubs, for instance, they keep

a food-habits score card for several Aveeks and then formulate a

program based on the prej^aration of foods found lacking in their

diet. Thus rural youth, mingling in the full life of the community

and, in turn, becoming conscious through its club program of the

important things being striven for by the connnunity, is brought into

contact with the best type of civic education.

INCENTIVES

^H Clubs are organized on a voluntary basis. Therefore interest is

manifested at the start. However, local 4-H Club leaders and county

extension agents probably will have in mind a much larger and

richer ¡program for members than the one that members may formulate as their own in the beginning. The responsibility of those in

charge is to guide club members skillfully to want the more worthwhile things. From the outset, young people should be led to feel

that the program is theirs and that they are responsiljle for its success. They should be led to question the different points of view

that may arise and to take all factors into consideration before proceeding definitely in any one direction. Appealing to the desire of

the large number of young people to make selections as well as to

direct the things that most'concern themselves, may develop a powerñü incentive for work along homemaking or agricultural lines during

a period of ready acceptance. Boys and girls in the teen age are

likely to possess a certain love of freedom, and they delight in making

choices.

In formulating their programs, young people should be made to

feel that much is expected of them from the standpoint not only of

their homemaking and agricultural activities, but also of their own

behavior as related to all their club activities. For example, it is

expected that J-H Club members will repay their loans at the bank,

that they will keep reliable records, and that they will be known for

their honesty in the show ring. Every club member is expected to

be humane not only to farm animals but also to wildlife encountered

either in hunting or fishing. Leaders can skillfully get members to

feel that their parents and neighbors are interested in their progress

and expect them to make good and be upright and kind in their

dealings. The establishment of -J^H Club goals has proved very

successful not onlv in relation to the work of the club as a whole but
14 AGI?. HANDBOOK NO. 3 3,, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

also in relation to the individual development of the members. For

the o-oals chosen and attained in life largely determine success. 1 here

are many types of goal. The more specific the goal, the easier attainment will be. A few typical 4-H goals are :

1. To make my best Ijetler.

2 Ï0 be true at all times to the 4-H Club pledge.

3 Ï0 learn to preside well at business meetiii.iis ; to complete an exhibit and

di.splay it; to take part in demonstration- and judging-team work; and to wpeaii

in public. , , , ..

4 To be a helpful, intelligent meml)er of my family, club, and cimimunity.

5' To follow willingly in some 4-H Club and community undertakings and

to lead in others.

6. To encourage other boys and girls to enroll in a 4-H Club.

7. To be of assistaTice to others who in;iy need help in their 4-H Club activities.

8. To be a good cooperator iu all worthy umlertakings.

9. To show good sportsmanship Ooth m winning and in losing.

10. To obtain as much education as is possible through school, farm, and

home activities so that 1 may lie well prepared for my chosen life work.

11. To learn to appreciate the liest in music, art, and literature.

12. To become acquainted with wildlife and the out-of-doors.

13. To be familiar with the advantages of living in the country.

14. To study the lives of flne, outstanding men and women of the past and

present.

15. To link myself with those institutions that encourage the finer things of

life, such as the church—the great inspirational force iu the development of

spiritual values.

16. To render service whenever there is an opportunity.

PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITIES

In order that club members may develop their native capacities

and the -i-H program function effectively, the activities involved

should be purposeful and stimulate wholehearted endeavor. In this

connection, the leader should realize the importance of making appeals that will stimulate such endeavor. To do this effectively, here

again it is necessary that he have a thorough understanding of the

adolescent.

OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN TO DO BY DOING

A program that provides ample opportunity to "learn to do by doing"

is considered particularly important to the success of 4—H Club work

becau.se of the limited follow-up work that usually can be done (fig. 5).

From the beginning, the activities involved in any club program have

been determined largely on this basis. That such a program is sound

from an educational standpoint is borne out by all authorities, for it is

believed that actually doing things is more conducive to learning than

any other method of instruction.

OWNERSHIP TO STIMULATE AND MAINTAIN INTEREST AND DEVELOP A SENSE OF

RESPONSIBILITY

Successful club work usually involves some ownership in the crop or

livestock raised or some part in the work done within the home. Ownership often aids considerably in developing interest in the work and at

the same time stimulates a wholesome sense of responsibility which, in

turn, is essential to good citizenship. It is important also that such

ownership be fully respected by both leaders and parents. Otherwise,

discouragement along with failure to complete the work under way may

follow.
4-H CLUB WORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 15

II (Jlub members " kam lu do b\ doing."

ACTIVE P.\RTICIPATIOX IN GENERAL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO DEVELOP

COMMUNITY CONSCIOUSNESS

Yuung i^eoi^le are increasingly anxious to tlo as adults do, and. having

attained a social viewpoint, thej' can engage in many conununity

activities in much the same way as adults do. Such activities are real

and may be highly important to young people if well presented. They

will then challenge the member's best efforts and give him a definite

feeling that he is part of the community. jNIoreover, boys and girls in

the broad sense are citizens, and their interest in constructive conununity activities and sympathy with them should be aroused. They

should be made to feel that all these activities are theirs and that they

are a real factor in connnunity development. Their cooperation, in

many instances, is as important as that of adults. Among general

community activities in which the interest of young people may be

enlisted are the beautification of school grounds or roadsides, refurnishing of the town hall, improvement of grounds around the village

railroad station, campaigning against injurious insects, the preparation

of Thanksgiving-dinner baskets for distribution td tlie needy of the

neighborhood, supervision of a community Christmas tree, or a campaign against unsportsmanlike conduct in community games and

contests. All such activities involve much constructive participation—

doing the thing themselves—exceedingly essential in training citizens.

INSTRUCTIONS SO SIMPLE AND DEFINITE THAT VOLUNTEER LEADERS ARE ABLE

TO FOLLOW EASILY

Adequate instruction is fundamental to any successful endeavor

today. Other things being equal, that organization succeeds best

which equips its workers best. Carrying out the programs of church,

school, business, and other institutions depends lai-gely on the instruction given to workers. Because foUow'-uj) work in connection with

4-H Club activities is limited, it is essential for hjcal leaders to be well

informed, so that they can adequately supervise the home and farm
16 AGR. HANDBOOK XO. 3 3, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE "

work of members in the intervals between visits of workers einployed

b}' the Extension Service. Leadersliip in 4-H Chib work involves

instruction in farm and homemakmg practices to be demonstrated, in

methods of club oro-;uiization, and in the development of constructive

attitudes toward home and community life. The three main ways of

offering systematic instruction to volunteer d-H Club leaders are group

conferences of leaders; persoiuü interviews with iiidividual leaders;

and demonstrations at club meetings by the county agent to show the

volunteer leaders how to carry on with club groups some phase of the

program hitherto not quite understood.

CHALLENGING TASKS OR PROBLEMS TO SOLVE

Meeting live home and community problems does much to vitalize

anj' community activity. In solving such problems the amount of

theory' given to a gi'oup of young people is largelj^ dependent on the

ability of the specialist to translate it into such clear language that it

can be passed on easily in an intelligent and accurate way to the county

agent or local club leader and, in turn, to young people. It is believed

that theory can best be given after the desire for it has been created

through a jirogi^am of learning to do by doing.

During t-lie early period of 4r-iî Club work, agents and local leaders

were concerned primarily with giving infornuition and with the acquisition of manual skill. As the work has become better understood, the

principle of self-help has been grasped. Today the giving of accurate

information embodying the best offerings of research and the acquisition of skill are still considered important ; yet club leaders believe that

far more important is the development of ability in the young homemaker or farmer to recognize a problem and seek its solution in a

definite, direct way. Such development is provided through the organization of young people in 4-H Clubs on a voluntary basis, whereby

they may meet to discuss and compare their work, to learn how to

obtain information from authoritative sources, and, if necessary, to

request and get the services of experts to help them in solving their'own

particular home problems (fig. 6).

FLEXIBLE REQUIREMENTS

The mininuun requirements for the completion of any 4-H Clul)

activity should be so fiexible that the program, in turn, will be adapted

to the ability, tendencies, and needs of rural young people of diffei'ent

age groups. The difficulty of providing flexible requirements in 4-H

Club work conducted with a limited amount of supervision is recognized. However, according to studies made, the results from the work

based on flexible requirements, when carefully planned, more than

compensate for the effort expended. The more that young people plan

their own club programs, the easier will it be for the local leader to

guide them ui setting up for themselves requirements for the completion of the work. The knowledge that they have done a good job will

satisfy their own personal interests and needs and, at the same time,

the job will justify recognition as a part of club \vork. If the work

is so organized that choices may be made depending on the age, needs,

and ability of the young people involved, maximum interest will be

enkindled. This will enable the member to carry the project work
4-H CLUB WORK—A GVIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 17

by himself until another contact is made with eitluT a local loader or

ail extension agent.

PRCtGRKSSIVE STEPS

"Growing activity" is especially imiiorlant in this roiuiectioii. not

only in the maintenance of an abiding interest hnt also I'or the l)est

development of the individnal member. Acci)rding {o studies made,

this plan of having the program based on progressive steps in relation

to activities and years of work has prowd tlie most satisfactory.

VARIEII ACTIVITIES

In formidating any 4—H Club program, all possible resources should

be utilized to develop a wide range of active interests and rich experiences such as will result in all-round growth of the individual. To

provide rural young people with varied lines of activity seems

esixH'ially important, inasmuch as they often are out of touch with

many activities that should enlist their attention. Trips to diñe rent

parts of the country and State to observe the home life of other people

and to meet boys and girls in work and play are exceedingly vahiable.

Such activities deserve s])ecial attention: rural young i)eople usually

are limited in new ideas because of their resources, which are scant as

compared with those of youmi' peop)le in moie thickly populated

centers. Then, too. these young peo|)le are part of that national

group of home lovers who, because of theii- land consciousness, are apt

to be conservative in attitude and liave a tendencv to resist change.

fiOLKh 0.—t H Clul; ijiLiul)._i= tooperate in sohing tli.'ir own iinporUiit pioW. iiis.
]8 AGK. HANDBOOK NO. 3 3, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Someone has said :

An adequate program presents an endless chain of fascinating and compelling

activities which are not only interesting in the doing, but challenging to the

imagination, and which are varied enough to satisfy every individual in the

group. To be worthy from the angle of imagination, the program must contain

large elements of color, picturesqueness, and romance.

ELEMENT OF NOVELTY

Each year's work in any 4-H Chil) activity should be so different

in terminology, arrangement, and bearing, that it will, in effect, be

a new activity. In other words, it must have the element of novelty

whicli in turn challenges thought, stimulates interest, and usually results in renewed effort.

Studies of some young people's organizations show that the majority of members are content to remain in a given activity or project

only a shoit time and to do mediocre work. This is to be expected,

as during the adolescent period there is a strong craving for experience,

which is only Nature's way of leading boys and girls to choose a vocation. This characteristic may lead boys and girls to change from

one activity to another before accomplishing any desirable results.

Therefore, if young people are to remain in a club activity long enough

to gain the necessary self-confidence and satisfaction which come from

doing one thing well and which, in turn, lead them on to do good work

in other lines, it is important to have each phase of the work undertaken, particularly those phases that seem important enough to be

continued, so varied that interest will be stimulated and maîntained.

By such procedure young ])eople may be led to remain in an activity

sufficiently long to acquire the habit of success.

FEELING OF SUCCESS

A feeling of success on the part of the individual will insure continued membership m the club group over a considerable period.

iJierefore. it is important that the club program be so planned that

each member can feel

that he is succeeding.

This means that the

program must be developed on a progressive

basis in keeping with

the abilities of each

member. It also means

that the local leader

should recognize work

well done, perhaps seek

at times to find something that can be approved so that the member, in turn, may gain

that satisfaction which

comes from the approbation of people who

?IKUO V,!nv.''fr'ft"' ^^' '''^ "^^"^^,^Î: *« ^"^^ hJbiToïsïïcess" and to aiiive at tliat turning point in life where he realizes that he

I loURE 7.—A feeling of success insures continued

nienihership in the club group.
4-H CLUB \yORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 19

can evaluate situations accui-ately. TIUMI liavino- deciilfd to ^o alicail,

he is justitíed in being confident tliat, with hard work, lie will succeed

(fig-7).

DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL IDEALS

It is im¡x)rtant in a democratic government that there be developed

umong young people constructive group action and group control.

In this country yi)ung people should, as early as possible, gain the

habit of acting in groups that function ahnig democratic lines—

learning to work with others, giving of their best thought to the

making of group decisions, conquering selfish interest for the good

of all and, finally, learning how to give in to the will of the majority.

GROUP PROGRAMS

In order tliat such group action and group control may be developed on a constructive, democratic basis, young peoi)le should be

led as a group to formulate a program. Expi'rience shows that they

adhere to a program more eti'ectively when tliey feel that it is their

very own. Thereby- genuine interest is enkindled, and they are stinnilated to put forth their best efforts. Life is made up of choices. In

4-H Club work young people should l)e led as a group to make worthwhile choices through practice in choosing and in setting stan<lards.

In no instance should a club program be superimposed, for then young

people may become callous to the autocratic rule of the few.

VITAL ISSUES

Today much is said concerning the discussion method. This

method, to be successful, requires that action of the group be centered on vital issues—issues that stimulate a response on the part of

each member and make for the interjilay of minds. Thereby facts

Tvill be brought out and information sought in the adjustments desired.

It is only when ideas seem vital and sounder conclusions, in turn, are

reached that constructive groujD discussion has taken place (fig. 8).

CONTACTS WITH OTHER GROUPS

In the development of democratic group action, contacts with other

groups in many and varied ways are essential. Furthei'inore, any

organization may be measured from the standpoint of its effectiveness

in developing young people by the degree to which it increases the

number, variety, and kind of shared interests. Many opportunities

have been provided for boys and girls engaged in 4-H Club work to

come in contact with other groups of the comnuuiity, county, and

State. Learning to make contacts with outstanding men and women

of the community in positions concerned with the public welfare is

emphasized as an important step in learning to serve one's own community effectively. Inteistate and national club events are provided,

to which farm boys and girls are sent as delegates. Some trips to

foreign countries for club boys and girls also have been provided.

Those who have been awarded such trips have met the young people of

distant places on a friendly basis, and a beneficial interchange of ideas

has been the result.
20 AGR. HANDBOOK XO. 33, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

SHARING RESPONSIBILITY

Each member of tlie group sliould be f¡,uided in assuming bis share

of i-espoiisibility and in conquering self-interest, particularly when

the good of the group is concerned. If club members can be made to

realize that they as individuals must see certain things through or

tlie group will suffer, the first step in self-conquest has been made successfully. The good of the group should be the paramount thought.

It is important in club work that each member be made to feel that

some work belongs to him to do, tliat a certain kind of conduct is

expected of him, that a certain contribution to the general good of

the club is demanded of him, and that the group is depending on him.

If a i-esponsibility is placed on a member, that member should be held

accountable not to the local leader or agent but to the other members

of the club and should face their disapproval if he fails. Thus the

ideals of social responsibility may be inculcated. Members in 4-H

Club work should be guided one step farther—to see that the common

good of the group really makes for the best good of the individual

member. Thereby genuine cooperation is developed in which each

member becomes interested in the groiq^'s success. This mutual interest, in turn, develops a sympathetic attitude among members for one

another (tig. ')).

FIGURE 8.—1-H Cluh inemhers concentrate on issues that seem \ital to them
4-H CLUB WORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 21

RESPECT FOR THE LAWS OF THE MAJORITY

4-H Club members are led early, in connection with their business

meetings, to respect the laws or rules of the majority in any voting

tluit may take place. In this relation it is particularly important for

the local leader to guide members to realize, before the voting, that

they should agree first to follow the decision of the majority,

whatever that decision may be.

GOOD FELLOWSHIP

Good fellowship is essential to group unity. There must be an

esprit de corps. The friendlier the attitude of members toward one

another, the more sufX'essful will be their group undertakings. The

local leader should guide members to recognize that all cannot be

captains, but that everyone can be a leader in some activities and a

follower in others. When members of the club are fully conscious

of this principle, unhappy distinctions will gradually disappear, and

everyone will gladly pay honor to work well di^ne.

DEVELOPMENT OF LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE GROUP

The club shoidd be so organized that leadership, at least along one

hue, may be developed on the part of all its members. For it is

important, particularly in rural America, that -i-H Club members be

educated to lead as well as to obey. Young people should gain the

power of self-direction and of directing others—administration, and

the ability to assume positions of responsibility.

OPPORTUMTY TO ASSUME RESPOIVSIBILITY

Leadership develops as opportunity to assume responsibility is provided. The value of the person in charge depends largely on what

he gets others to do. Every member of a 4—H Club should be given

responsibility: some members are able to assume more than others.

Opportunity in this regard may be provided through the work assigned to club officers and to committees appointed for the year, or

for single events such as club tours to see various phases of homemaking or agricultural club work. Games, songs, clulj pageants, and

festivals also aff<n-d ample opportunity for the assumption of responsibility, and, in turn, the develojDnient of leadership. Moreover,

as young people learn to serve by assuming ifsponsibility in home and

community upbuihling, so will they become intelligent leaders in

their own community. The more they learn to give up for the common good, the more will they learn the true meaning of service (ñg.

10). In this connection James E. Russell once said, "If this world

is to become a better place to live in and life made better worth living, we must accept the Christian doctrine that service is the only

criterion of greatness." In addition, it is believed that only by providing J-H Club members with many opportunities to assume responsibility and to serve, will they, in turn, reach their highest development in leadership.
22 AGR. HANDBOOK NO. 33, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

In any -i-H Club work, centering the attention of young people

on community affairs is desirable especially Tvlien these affairs affect

the home and the home farm in connection ^Yith the general community extension ¡program. The part young people can play in improving conditions often can be emphasized to advantage. In such

effort they have another opportunity to Avork side by side with their

parents and neighbors. They learn to recognize and to meet local needs

under varying circumstances and thereby gain valuable experience as

young citizens. It is becoming common for 4-H Clubs to elect one of

their members as a delegate to general extension meetings and other

farmers' and young people's meetings, where he reports what the club

has done toward carrying out the community program in homemaking

or agricultural work. It is ¡jart of his responsibility, in addition, to

take back to his own club group a report of these meetings and his

observations, especially those regarding home life, made en route.

By such means, if enough provision is made for exercise in assuming

responsibility, young people may be kept in touch with the best in

home and farm life and may develop a true sense of civic responsibility

and gemiine leadership in making tlieir connuunity a better i^lace in

which to live.

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Leadership develops as opportunity for growth is provided. It is

not sufiicient that opportunity be provided foi' members to assume

responsibility. Each opportunity improved should be followed by one

calling for added responsibility, so that a normal healthy growth in

leadership can develop. To carry out this principle requires constant vigilance and resourcefulness on the part of the local leader.

Development of leadership in j'oung people must be studied, stimulated, and directed carefully. In some States. 4-H Club captains are

appointed to lead the members of their respective groups in one particular line of Avork; in others, members who have done especially good

work may be appointed as assistant leaders to help younger members.

Usually the adult leader is able to give the voung"er boys and girls

responsibility for only part of the work. With the older boys and

girls m the latter half of the teen age, the adult leader is wise who acts

m the capacity of an adviser and allows these club members to assume

the major responsibility. However, the successful leader develops a

feeling on the part of members of the group, irrespective of age, that

the club and the program are theirs, and that they are makTn'o- the

decisions as to what shall be done. '^

OPPORTUNITY TO DO ONE THING WELL

The joy and satisfaction that come from doing one thintr ^-^eW are

essential to the development of any form of leadership (fio-^^H) No

one enjoys a task he knows he does poorly. The majority of boys and

girls who drop out of school do so because they are failing In 4-H

Club work the same principle holds. These yoiing people, to be happv

ancl to develop as leaders, should be given one task at a time in keepin^^

with their ability but challenging it. As each task is conquered! joy

and satisfaction automatically are the reward. Eagerness to go foi^

ward naturally follows. The habit of success is formed and a sense of
4-H CLUB WORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 23

FIGURE 9.—Eacli 4-H Clul. '!• is inU'iesteil m the juccess of tlie group.

self-expression is realized that is quite as important as the development of leadership itself. In many instances one of the causes of discontent among rural people is the fact that life is found empty as far

as adequate self-expression is concerned. What rural iieople'usually

crave is opportunity to do something worth while.

GENERAL 4-H CLUB ACTIVITIES

To stimulate and maintain interest, to raise standards of work, and

to attain the all-round development of rural young people, many general club activities have been introduced into the 4—H Club program.

Among them are demonstration and judging-team w(u-k, special 4—H

Club days, work in music appreciation and dramatics, tours and

hikes, 4—H camps, special club ceremonies, and 4—H Club exhibits at

community, county, State, and often interstate, events.

TEAM DEMONSTRATIONS

The team demonstration is an important part of 4—H Club work,

and its value to the club member is worthy of first consideration. This

work gives young people an added incentive to develop skill. It

gives theiu conhdence in themselves so that they are able to make an

explanation or plead a cause in a clear, teliing manner. It develops initiative and inspires interest. Team-demonstration work by

members is one of the best ways of interesting adults in club woi-k.

as many people see only the exhibit and the demonstration. Adults

often are drawn to public demoiistrations because of the boys and

girls concerned, but usually go away with some idea of the work

accomplished and as exponents of the practice taught. In this way,

boys and girls, through organized club effort, become a powerful

factor in carrying out the community pi-ogram of work and spreading

the influence of the demonstration in the home community. Teamdemonstration work also encourages club ap'vU and cooperation. The
24 A<iK. nAXUBooK xo. 33, V. s. D::PT. OF ACRICULTIIRE

county extension ag-ent always is ready to assist local leaders in tramino- demonstration teams. He often furnishes them with suggestive

outlines to follow. Such demonstration outlines may be obtained

also from the oflice of the State club leader.

WORK IN JUDGING

Judging the finished products of the demonstration under way is an

important part of the work of every club in raising work standards.

4-H members are taught to determine how nearly the objects judged

meet a standard as set up in score cards, such as judging jars of fruits

or vegetables canned, or garments made. At the completion of each

piece of work, the club members judge the finished products. In this

way attention is focused on the phases of the work that need strengthening. Thus judging plays an important part in setting and maintaining high standai'ifs. In livestock- and crop-club activities judging

also plays"an important part in learning to select livestock or seed

for the farm. Such knowledge proves most profitable.

SPECIAL 4-H CLUB DAYS

In some States there is an amuial J-H Planning Day. when the

club members of a county plan their program for the year. In this

way, the attention of the whole county is focused on 4—H Club work,

and members in turn recognize anew its importance and the seriousness of planning a sound program of activities.

Club festivals and events such as picnics and field days also increase interest in club work and are considered socializing factors in

community development. INIuch of the success of such gatherings

depends on the resourcefulness of leaders. The dates for any of these

events usually are decided well in advance : transportation is arranged ;

a program of games, contests, club songs, short talks, and lunch is

planned; provisions are made for inclement weather; and the assistance of a number of adults is enlisted in directing the activities. It is

important to the success of such an event that every minute of time

be filled and that it end i)romi)tlv at a stated hour with a oood sendoff.

DRAMATICS, PAGEANTS, AND MUSIC

Each year, in many State programs, dramatics have an important

place. State tournaments in dramatics are increasing. Simple plays

based on agricultural and homemaking practices, as well as plays of

other types, are being worked out by club members themselves, who

select their own parts. In this way. rural young people are afforded

another opportunity to express their own innermost desires and

interests in a challenging, creative way.

If well-conducted, pageants arouse enthusiasm among club members,

encourage creative thinking, and kindle the interest of intelligent

men and women of the comnumity. Those that have jiroved most

successful have been developed around one central idea. The experienced leader plans the details of the paoeant carefully as to

desirable location, where it can be seen by the most people; equipment;

making of signs; costumes; trucks and other conveyances. Such a

leader has enough assistance so that he can confine his attention wholly

to the direction of the work.
4-H CLUB WORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 25

In nearh^ evei\y State some work in nnisic apiireciation is part of

the 4-H Cluli program. Through 4-H Chib choruses, liancls, and

orchestras, the members are given an opi)ortunity to develop a genuine

appreciation of good music.

TOURS AND NATURE HIKES

For a considerable time i-H Cluli tours have had an important

place in the club program. By means of tours members are able to

observe each other's work and gain helpful ideas. Tours also are

made, usuallj' within the county, to observe particularly good farming

or homemaking practices. Educational trips to more distant points

are made as a reward for outstanding work and as a means of broadening the outlook of rural young people.

Through 4-H nature-club hikes rural young people are developing,

as never before, an appreciation of their own surroundings and of

country life in general. They are learning to love birds and animals

and to understand their connection with agi'icukure. Moreover, the

eyes of these rural young people are being opened to the wealth of

beauty in wild riowers, trees, and shrubs of their own areas, and

their interest in these things is being stimulated. From these club

hikes many other activities related to the conservation of wildlife are

being developed.

CAMPS

J—H Club camps emphasize cooperation, stimulate renewed interest

in club activities, give opi:iortunity for special training in subject

matter, and train in recreation. They also give opportunity for

health work, not only

through outdoor sjiorts

and supervised recreation but through training in health haliits.

But perhaps most important of all, these

camps broaden the horizons of rural young

¡leople and give them a

glimpse of the things in

rural life difficult to obtain through regular

4-H Club work. The

council ciixdes, cani])-

fires, vespers, nature

trails, and particularly,

the candle-1 i g h t i n g

ceremony at the close of

each camp, do much to

bring to club members

a sense of the gi-eat

human values—the intangibles— and enable

each of them to return

home with higher ideals FICLUE 10.—4-H CIUIJ meinliers share their club

and loftier purposes. products with the le>s fortunate.
26 AGR. HANDBOOK XO. 3 3, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

FIGURE 11—batisfaction comes from doing each thing well.

Only the finest, the most inspirational activities are encouraged. Leaders seek to select songs that inspire, stories with fnn and action that

elevate, and activities that present situations which will develop those

attitudes that make for right living. C. I>. Smith,* in pointing out

this emphasis in 4-H Club work, states :

We are glad to see incieasiugly COIUíDK into club wnrk a quality of .spirituality

that is wortli while. In a recent cauip, follinviug a clay of rich experiences, the

whole group climbed to the top of a commanding hill fiir a sunset hour. To sit

on a hilltop with others in silence and meditation as the suu goes down and

the evening shadows lengthen, to think together on things clean and worthy,

to direct the. mind away from material to more spiritual things, to commune

with the soul—all are cultured things that help lift the mind up into the realm of

the Creator and constitute a steadying worth-while influence in the midst

of a very busy and often jazzy world. 4-H Club work mav well include something of these spiritual matters that seek to develop the best in man.

Practically all 4-H Club members can attend camp. Some counties

or groups of counties own permanent camp sites, and others set up

temporary camps in some favored spot. In several States -i-H conservation camps have been held in which observation of wildlife has

been emphasized.

The National 4-H Club Camp is held in Washington to enable representative rural young people from each State to become better acquamted with the research work of the United States Department of
4-H CLUB WORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADERS 27

Agriculture and the service tliat it venders; to give tlieiii an opportunity to study tlieir Federal Government at first liaml; and to make

it possible for these leading young people to discuss suggest inns for

increasing the scope of extension work with girls and boys throughout the country. Every club delegate to the National i-H Camp

leaves Washington with a deeper appreciation of his own United

States of America and what a salute to his flag really means (fig. I'J).

EXHIBITS

An exhibit is one of the requirements of a standard club and of

the work of a club member. The club exhibit visualizes the accumulated results of the club's work and gives an opportunity for comparison and imjjrovement as well as for new ideas. Recent exhibits

of hobbies have done much to broaden the field of activity of rural

young people.

Plans to arrange an exhibit give added incentive to club members

to excel in their work. Young people enjoy having their work displayed. Exhibits, therefore, add to their pleasure in 4-H Club work.

Directions and suggestions for preparing exliibits in a pleasing and

practical way may be obtained from the comity extension agent. Club

members may exhibit their work at club meetings for the purpose of

havmg its quality judged and making ready for the final exhibit at

the community, county, or State fair. The club exhibit is a display of

the club demonstration.

4-H CLUB EVENTS AT STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES

Nearly every State agricultural college gives outstanding 4-H Club

members the opportunity of staying from o days to 2 weeks each year

at the college. Tliey are given instruction in farm and home work l)y

the college faculty and the extension service personnel. The delightful experience of living on the college campus, usually in the college

dormitories, and of getting acquainted with their own State college

is afforded these young people. In this way new friendships are

formed, viewpoints are Ijroadened, helpful ideas are gainecl, and

contacts with worth-while men and women are made.

SPECIAL CEREMONIES

Several ceremonies have been inti'oduced in 4-H Club work that

have proved successful in em!:)hasizing the finer things of life. In

some States, when young people join a club, an initiation takes place.

This ceremony emphasizes the ideals of the club program and the

responsibility to be assumed by members.

Another ceremony, conducted in connection with the installation of

club officers after their election, calls attention to the duties of these

newly elected officers and the responsibilities involved.

During special 4—H events, an impressive -1—H citizenship ceremony,

as well as a 4-H candlelighting ceremony, is often held. Both of these

ceremonies emphasize liigh ideals of home and community life that

should be constantly in the minds of all 4-H members.

The 4-H achievement-day meeting is the crowning event of the

club year. It emphasizes the importance of work well done; affords

a splendid means of giving recognition to club members and those who
28 AOR. HANDBOOK NO. 3 3, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

have aided clul) programs; provides an opportunity to extend the

intluence of tlie demonstration conducted and to obtain for it endorsement by i^rominent people. At this meeting plans are made for the

future work of the club. Such a meeting usually includes short

addresses by leading men and women of the community, demonstrations and reports by club members, club songs, the presentation of

awards to members completing the work, and display of exhibits.

Plans for the future, based on i^resent achievements of the club, are

often emphasized. A 4-H achievement day is esiDeciallj- important in

that it places a premium on completed work.

SUMMARY OF CHARACTER-BUILDING METHODS

IN 4-H CLUB WORK

4-H Club work is based not only on the needs and intei-ests of

•J—H Club members but on the needs of the agricultural comnuuiity to

which they belong. Members are led to feel that they have a useful

]:iart of the world's work to do and that, in doing it, they may grow

mentally, socially, and spiritually; that they, as an integral part of

the community or county extension organization, have a definite responsibility in improving their comnuuiity and in making it finer in

every way. Through club work countless communities have been

materially improved. It is the connnon thing for 4-H Clubs as part

of their program of work, in addition to their farm and homemaking

activities, to plant shrubbery and flowers about local schoolyards and

town halls and along roadsides; produce and sell disease-free seed at

reasonable prices; make children's clothing for needy families; provide hot lunches for local schools; help to promote county-wide soil

and livestock campaigns; show consideration for animal life on the

farm: improve the quality of crop and livestock raised; establish community and county 4-H Club fairs; build cottages for club camps;

improve the quality of homemaking and agricultural practices prevalent in the community; and develop good, Avholesome dramatics as well

as other recreation for community programs. Of course, many of

these activities are in addition to tire ones that obtain in relation to the

improvement of club members themselves.

Not every 4-H Club undertaking is a H)iancial .success, naturally, but

unless some unavoidable calamity occurs, such as flood, fire, epid'emic,

or an extreme market situation, the club member usually realizes financial profit from the enterprise, particularly if that enterprise relates to

farnung practices. Such pi-ofit gives the member a new sense of what

he can do through his own effort. Often self-confidence is developed

m an oiitstanding way through facing facts squarely. Through this

l)hase of club work, also, many club members are led to have bank

accounts, to increase the size of their livestock project, to start a go-tocollege fund, or to go into partnership with their parents income

farming or homemaking enterprise.

Thus 4-H Clul) work brings parents and young people tooether

through a common interest making for family solidarity (fio- 13)

Members come m contact with their leaders, who know how^'to do

things, with the work of one another, which frequently involves acquiring added interesting information, and with the luiblic throu<^h

field meetings and exhibits at fairs, festivals, and demonstrations,

i^'om time to time they meet with the research and teachino- staffs of
4-H CLUB WOKK A GUIDE FOI? LOCAL LKADElîS 29

FIGURE 12.—L%Liy dul d.jiegale i(_a.u., W a..luii|Aion «ail a .icp.-r apprn-ialiuii oí

what a salute to his own Hag really means.
30 AGR. HANDBOOK XO. 33, U. S. DEPÏ. OF AGRICULTURE

the State agricultural colleges and the United States Department

of Agriculture, with businessmen and outstanding farmers, all leaders in different lines of work—men and women of achievement, who

inspire by their accomplishments and outlook. Club members often

are given a larger view of life, alöo, through opportunity to attend

4—H camps and shoit courses conducted by the State college of agriculture once or twice a year at the agricultural college itself. Also,

several national events for 4-H Club members are held annually, culminating with the National -i-H Club Camp at the Nation's Capital. All these various meetings serve to awaken farm youth and to

stimulate in them the desire to do and to attain.

The 4-H Club program for farm boys and girls is constantly being

enriched. Recreation in the form of nature study is becoming particularly popular. Interesting nature trails are being worked out,

thereby developing a genuine appreciation of surroundings as well

as training in observation. Conservation of natural resources, particularly of wildlife, continues to be given greater emphasis. Water

sports, games, and hobbies have an important place, especially at

4-H Club camps. Training in proper food and health habits and

exercise for good posture are part of every -f-H Club program.

Other features of the program include music and art appreciation,

opportunity for thinking in terms of a life plan and the great human

values, training in the common courtesies of life, and service of members to their respective club groups, as well as activities, such as the

beautification of the farm home, to develop those appreciations and

attitudes that make for a happily -Jiared, progressive home life.

•icLiii; 13.—liiicTcl cooperation of parents in 4-H »Jub activities contribute to

family solidarity.
4-H CLUB WORK—A GUIDE FOR LOCAL LEADER,- 31

FiGtKt 14.—Through 4-H (liili aiti\ities inemlifi? l)eioiiie aware of their D'.MI

poteiUial ahiülies.

Integrity is cherished in all chib affairs. In 4-H Club work, rarely,

if ever, does a club boy or girl fail to meet an oljligation at the l)ank

from which money has been borrowed. This fact should be of particular interest, inasmuch as a large amount of money is lent each year for

livestock and crop work and for other 4-H activities. Through supervised contests, sportsmanship has been developed in an outstanding

way, as observed in critical club situations, and leaders through clul)

meetings are constantly guiding members to yield happily to the will

of the majority. Outstanding cases of nnselusliness as well as a keen

sense of responsibility are often observed (fig. 14).

Perhaps the most outstanding results of 4-H Club work are those

concerned with attitude building, which in turn leads to constructive

eflFort. Surprising accomplishments have been observed by leaders

after young people have developed tliose ideals that make for progressive rural leadership, whii/h are symbolized bj' the 4-H emblem and

expressed by the pledge (fig. 1.5). Among such ideals the most noticeable have been those bringing about effective service in the home, on the

home farm, and in the home community, that often have led to the visible improvement of the whole community. Other results include development of an enriched (jutlook and more far-reaching vision on tlie

part of farm youth; increasingly recognized ability of 4-H Club

young i^eople to organize as well as to cooperate in home and community undertakings; development of a health consciousness and

standard, not only on the part of rural boys and girls but also on the
32 A-GH. HANDBOOK \o. 3 8, I'. S. DEPT. OF AHRICULTURE

FIGURE 15.—I pkdgc

'M\ Heiul to dearer tliinking.

LM\ Heart to greater loyalty.

, My Hands to larger t-erviee, and

My Health to Ixtter li\ing. for

iMy Clul), my (ioiinminity, and in\ ('oiintry.

part of many rural conuiuuiitie^ as a whole : economic independence for

nianj^ rural 3'oung people and their families; advantages of further

education and travel; acquaintance with sources of accurate inforination in agriculture and home economics; and worth-while friendships

with outstanding men and women of the community and State.

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