Welcome to Ector County 4-H!
Discover a world of opportunities with Ector County 4-H, where young minds thrive, and leaders emerge. Our community is filled with passionate youth that are dedicated to learning, exploring, and making a positive impact.
Get Involved:
We are always looking for more volunteer leaders! For more information on joining our community, contact our 4-H Program Assistant: Alyse.Henderson@ag.tamu.edu
Connect with us:
Follow us on social media and stay updated on upcoming events and projects!
What is 4-H?
4-H is a nationwide youth organization that promotes life-long learning and leadership through clubs, projects, and other activities.
How can I participate in 4-H?
To enroll in 4-H, simply go to 4H Online, which is an online system where you can access or create your account. Enrollment in 4-H is by academic year (i.e. September 1-August 31) and each member must re-enroll each year. There is a $25.00 annual membership fee if you enroll by October 31st with an increase to $30.00 if you enroll after October 31st. Enroll early for your advantage!
If you need further assistance with enrollment, click the links below.
4-H Online New/Returning Family Guide
4-H Online New Youth Enrollment Guide
4-H Online Renew Youth Enrollment Guide
Is there a minimum age requirement for participating in Ector County 4-H?
- Clover Kids/Beginners: Grades K-2, minimum age of 5 years old
- Junior Members: Grades 3-5, minimum age of 8 years old
- Intermediate: Grades 6-8
- Senior: Grades 9-12
How can I stay up to date with Ector County 4-H?
We will post information on this webpage, as well as email all Ector County 4-H families a weekly newsletter. The newsletter will also be available through our webpage and through our Ector County AgriLife Facebook Page. Please be sure to provide us with your most frequently used email address and connect with us on Facebook to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
What can I participate in with 4-H?
The list could go on forever, but a few of the activities that Ector 4-Hers are involved with include:
- 4-H Family & Community Health projects including Food & Nutrition, Fashion & Interior Design, and Photography
- 4-H Livestock projects such as Swine, Sheep, Goats, Steers
- 4-H Small Animal projects such as Rabbits
- Shooting Sports disciplines – Archery, Air Rifle, Rifle
- Leadership & Citizenship development through the Ector 4-H Club
- Curriculum Enrichment activities such as Kids, Kows, & More, Hatching in the Classroom and Agricultural Science Day at a local ranch
If you want to start a project of your own, just contact our 4-H Agent, and we will be happy to provide you with whatever information that we find.
Mission Of Texas 4-H
Prepare youth to meet the challenges of childhood, adolescence and adulthood, through a coordinated, long-term, progressive series of educational experiences that enhance life skills and develop social, emotional, physical and cognitive competencies.
What is 4-H all about?
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is about having fun, learning, exploring and discovering. In 4-H, young people make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and help shape their communities.
More than 65,000 Texas youth are enrolled members of 4-H community clubs in Texas. Another 850,000 Texas youth get involved in 4-H through special educational opportunities at school, in after school programs, or at neighborhood or youth centers. These youth live in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural communities.
4-H gives them a chance to pursue their own interests – from photography to computers, from building rockets to raising sheep. A list of 4-H projects is available online. They go places – to camp, to state and national conferences. They learn to be leaders and active citizens.
In 4-H clubs, they serve as officers and learn to conduct meetings, handle club funds, and facilitate group decision-making. In a growing number of communities, 4-H youth serve as youth representatives in municipal or county government or as members of Teen Courts. They give back to their communities. 4-H members get involved in volunteer projects to protect the environment, mentor younger children and help people who are less fortunate.
4-H TRADITIONS
The History of the 4-H Clover and Emblem
The first 4-H emblem was a three-leaf clover, introduced sometime between 1907 and 1908. The three represented head, heart and hands. In 1911, at a meeting of club leaders in Washington, a fourth representing health was added and the current 4-H four-leaf clover emblem was approved. It is protected by the U.S. Congress. More information on Clover logo usage is available.
The 4-H pledge was worded by Otis Hall, Kansas state 4-H leader. It was approved at the first National 4-H Club Camp in 1927 in Washington, D.C. The words my world were added to the pledge in 1973. Their addition is the only change ever made to the 4-H pledge.
HEAD stands for clearer thinking and decision-making. Knowledge that is useful throughout life.
HEART stands for greater loyalty, strong personal values, positive self-concept, concern for others.
HANDS stands for larger service, workforce preparedness, useful skills, science and technology literacy.
HEALTH stands for better living, healthy lifestyles.
4-H Pledge
I pledge
my Head to clearer thinking,
my Heart to greater loyalty,
my Hands to larger service,
my Health to better living.
For my Club, my community, my country, and my world.
4-H Motto
To make the best better.
NOTE: all text in italics is taken directly from the Texas 4-H and Youth Development website
