McClain County 4-H
Welcome to the McClain County 4-H Program. The 4-H mission is to help young people become motivated, productive and contributing members of society as they “learn by doing.” 4-H members, parents and volunteers are encouraged to communicate with the 4-H staff. We are always happy to help you.
What is 4-H?
In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime.
4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension Service-a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.
Oklahoma 4-H is dedicated to helping Oklahoma youth, families, and communities reach their full potential. By providing hands-on programming and events in a large variety of projects, 4-H is not only helping youth learn the life skills they need to be the leaders of tomorrow, but it is also teaching its members they can lead today and can make tangible, significant changes in their clubs, their communities, their state and their world.
Whether you enjoy working with animals, building robots, taking photographs, singing or even collecting bugs, Oklahoma 4-H has a place for you and – if you put forth the effort – will give you a firm foundation to succeed in life, no matter what career path you choose!
About 4-H
- Our Mission
Oklahoma 4-H is dedicated to helping McClain youth, families, and communities reach their full potential. By providing hands-on programming and events in a large variety of projects, 4-H is not only helping youth learn the life skills they need to be the leaders of tomorrow, but it is also teaching its members they can lead today and can make tangible, significant changes in their clubs, their communities, their state and their world.
Whether you enjoy working with animals, building robots, taking photographs, singing or even collecting bugs, Oklahoma 4-H has a place for you and – if you put forth the effort – will give you a firm foundation to succeed in life, no matter what career path you choose!
- Our Vision
Through Oklahoma 4-H, youth will feel valued and empowered as a resource in their communities, practice effective decision-making skills, feel personal pride that comes from achievement and be environmental stewards.
- Our Focus
Oklahoma 4-H focuses on three mission mandates: citizenship, healthy living and science and technology. Citizenship programs empower youth to be actively engaged in their communities. Youth learn the importance of physical, mental and emotional health through healthy living programs. Science and technology programs provide hands-on activities for youth to expand their knowledge in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- Involvement
Youth ages 8 to 19 can be 4-H members. For youth ages 5 to 7, most counties offer a noncompetitive program called Cloverbuds. Adult volunteers and Extension educators who work for the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service supervise all 4-H activities. Parents are encouraged to take an active role by serving as project leaders or volunteers.
- Opportunities
In McClain County 4-H, youth can grow in exciting projects such as public speaking, horticulture, animal science, shooting sports, photography, robotics, child care and more. Youth also have the opportunity to participate in competitions, hold leadership positions within their local, district and state program, attend state and national trips and earn college scholarships.
- How to Join
4-H programs are available in every county in Oklahoma. Your county Cooperative Extension Service office is your resource for getting involved in 4-H. There is a $20 per year program fee to join Oklahoma 4-H. This fee helps to maintain a high-quality program for youth and volunteers. No one will be denied participation in 4-H due to the inability to pay.
4-H Booster Club
Mission Statement
Serve as council and supporter of the McClain County 4-H program as a whole. Support the development of Leadership skills within McClain County 4-H members. Financially support McClain County 4-H Community and Project Clubs as well as individual 4-H member projects. 4-H Booster Club members provide ideas for program improvement and enhancement.
Goals
- Educate McClain County community members about 4-H and its advantages
- Collaborate with other organizations
All McClain County parent/guardians and program supporters are welcome to attend meetings. 4-H Booster Club meetings allow for constructive discussion about upcoming events and the success of past events. The 4-H program is constantly growing and changing. In order to keep up, the 4-H Educator needs a council of people to share new and innovative ideas to keep the young engaged.
4-H Ambassador Program
Take your next step with the McClain Co. 4-H Ambassador Program! This County Ambassador program is individualized to McClain county. Created to fit the needs of McClain Co. 4-H, more importantly it promotes individual growth and leadership development in the teens selected to represent McClain Co.
- Job Description
- Promote 4-H teen opportunities at all levels of 4-H programming.
- Serve as a teen representative for local programs at County & District level events.
- Attend county 4-H Officer meetings a minimum of twice a year.
- Identify a county 4-H need and develop a plan of action to remedy it.
- Mission Statement
The mission of the McClain Co. 4-H Ambassador Program is to assist middle & high school teens, build and strengthen inter-personal and leadership skills, empowering their development into confident leaders and citizens, which will result in a stronger county 4-H program and local community.
- Training Benefits
County Ambassadors will receive training in leadership and program development. Training topics include:
- Youth-adult Partnerships
- Communication
- Small Group Facilitation
- Program/Event Evaluation
- Public Speaking
- Business Attire & Etiquette
- Goal Setting
- Eligibility
Open to 4-H members I grades 7-12 who have been active 4-H enrolled members a minimum of two (2) years.
- Prerequisites Included
- Club leadership/officer position min. 1 year
- Involvement in organizing community service projects
- Consistent attendance and active participation in club/project related activities.
- Positively assisted and/or participated in county teen programs
- Endorsement by county office
- Membership Selection
The county will select/elect their representatives for a two-year term. Each term will begin June 1 and end May 30. Terms shall be staggered so that 2 new CA’s are elected per year.
- Required Attendances
Attend leadership events:
- SED Youth Action Conference
- County Ambassador Training/Retreat