THE 4-H EMBLEM
The Emblem of 4-H is a green four (4) leaf clover with a white letter H affixed to each leaf. The leaves of the clover represent the whole self – head, heart, hands and health. A four (4) leaf clover signifies ‘Good luck’ and is recognized internationally as the emblem of the 4-H programme. It is a symbol of well being and reminds the member that he/she can grow throughout life, and can choose to continue to achieve. To be able to manage one’s life well is a great accomplishment.
THE MEANING OF THE 4-H'S
The four H’s stand for Head, Heart, Hands and Health, signifying the fourfold area of youth development (mental, emotional, social and physical).
Head
To increase their knowledge of new techniques, methods of agricultural production, and home making skills (learning to learn).
Heart
To develop self confidence, leadership skills, responsibility to the club, and good citizenship (developing of a sense of social responsibility).
Hands
To become useful citizens, helping themselves (and their families) by doing to earn or save money, supplementing the family budget in the process. (using knowledge).
Health
To improve health practices, diet, physical fitness and be involved in organised recreational activities.
THE 4-H PLEDGE:
The 4-H pledge is normally said at the beginning of 4-H meetings or functions and remind members of the goals they share:
“I Pledge
My Head to clearer thinking
My Heart to greater loyalty
My Hands to larger service, and
My Health to better living
for my Club, my Community,
my County and my World.”
HOW THE 4-H PLEDGE IS SAID:
- Stand at attention
- Raise right hand to side of head
- Lower right hand over left breast
- Extend hands forward with arms bent at elbows and palms facing upwards
THE 4-H COLOURS
Green – Nature’s most common colour; it symbolizes life, growth and creativity.
White – Symbolises purity or wholeness.
THE 4-H MOTTO
`To Make The Best Better”
The motto expresses the continuing goal of excellence – to take the best one has received, enhance it, and give it back to life better than before.
THE 4-H CREED
“I believe in Boys’ and Girls’ 4-H Club Work for the opportunity it gives me to become a useful citizen.
I believe in the training of my HEAD for the power it will give me to THINK, PLAN and REASON.
I believe in the training of my HEART for the nobleness it will give me to be kind, sympathetic and true.
I believe in the power of my HANDS for the ability it will give me to be HELPFUL, SKILLFUL and USEFUL.
I believe in the training of my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to ENJOY LIFE, RESIST DISEASE and MAKE FOR EFFICIENCY.
I believe in ‘my country’* and in my responsibility for its development.
I am, therefore willing to devote my efforts for the fulfillment of these things which I believe”.
* ‘my country’ has been substituted for the U.S.A. in this version of the original creed.