It is a new year and a time when we reflect on experiences, lessons learned, and the past. At the same time we look ahead to what we hope to accomplish, achieve and change. 4-H has a rich history. We are proud of all 4-H has accomplished in the past and the present.

4-H, going strong for over 100 years

4-H has been a strong advocate for empowering youth and believing in the power of young people since 1902! Researchers who wanted to share technological advances in farming could not convince farmers to change their ways. However, young people were open to the new technology and change (this story sounds familiar, even over one hundred years later…). Dubbed “corn clubs” for boys and “tomato canning clubs” for girls, 4-H eventually adopted the clover and expanded to a more holistic way of thinking about what 4-H clubs had to offer to young people, engaging their “Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.”

Beyond the Corn Clubs

In 1909 Florida saw some of its first 4-H clubs in the northern part of the state. While these clubs revolved around agriculture, and many still do, 4-H in Broward County is a diverse non-profit organization that partners with Broward County Parks and Recreation, the University of Florida, and local volunteers to provide positive youth development programming to Broward County youth.

4-H operates through University of Florida Extension Education. Extension offices were created by the USDA to help Universities spread their research and innovative ideas to communities. Extension Educators teach community members on new ideas in agriculture, nutrition, science, and more. This is why Broward 4-H uses curriculum that is supported by research and science.

A great year planned for 2019

Going into 2019 Broward 4-H has 15 clubs composed of youth members ages 5-18. The clubs throughout Broward County focus on robotics, horses, gardening, citizenship, archery, sewing and more! Our youth are leaders who are going on shark tagging trips, installing community gardens, and building robots to compete around the country. This year our youth members will visit the Capitol and meet our representatives, make lifelong friends at Camp Cloverleaf, compete in the Broward 4-H Community Fair, and so much more. Joining 4-H is easy and there are many ways youth or adults can be involved. Email 4-h@broward.org for more information or visit our website or Facebook for more details.

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