About Texas 4-H
Texas 4-H is a vibrant youth development program open to kids and teens ages 8 to 18, covering grades 3 through 12. As the largest youth organization in the state, Texas 4-H reaches more than 500,000 young people each year through hands-on learning experiences, leadership development, and community involvement. Whether you live in a bustling city, a quiet rural town, or somewhere in between, Texas 4-H offers opportunities that match your interests and help you grow into a confident, capable, and compassionate leader.
You may think 4-H is only for your friends with animals, but it’s so much more! You can do activities like shooting sports, food science, healthy living, robotics, fashion, and photography. Texas 4-H helps you discover new interests, build lifelong skills, and connect with others who share your passions. No matter what you’re into, there’s a place for you in 4-H.
Look for 4-H clubs at your school, an after-school program, a community center, or just by contacting your County Extension Agent. Texas 4-H, established in 1908, is part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M System.
Activities
In 4-H, the activities are organized by 5 major topic areas and called ‘projects.’ All 4-H members must be enrolled in at least one project. The 5 project areas are Agriculture & Livestock, Family & Community Health, Leadership & Citizenship, Natural Resources, and STEM. When you choose a project, you can learn everything there is to know about that topic. You will participate in various hands-on activities, learn new skills, do community service, and more! Browse the list of projects to see what you would like to do.
Tips for choosing a project:
- Select a project(s) you like.
- Consider the money and time it will take. Can parents/guardians help?
- Consider the space and equipment that you have at home.
- A 4-H project should be fun, serve a purpose, and be worth the effort.
- Select only the number of projects you can complete.
- Contact your local County Extension Agent to learn about projects offered in your area.
Check out 4-H projects to see what looks fun to you.
History of 4-H in Texas
The Beginning Of Texas 4-H
The first County Extension Agent in Texas was appointed in 1906, eight years before the official establishment of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
4-H has a rich history in Texas. Since 1908, youth have been gaining valuable life-skills through hands-on activities taught and supported by caring adult volunteers and Extension Agents. In 1908, T.M. (Tom) Marks, a county agricultural agent, organized the first boys’ “corn club” in Jack County. Marks found that he was more successful teaching new production technology to the youth than to the adults. Within a matter of years, “pig clubs,” “beef calf clubs” (Coleman County, 1910) and girls’ “tomato clubs” (Milam County, 1912) were also initiated. The stage was set for the rapid expansion of educational programs directed to rural youth. Within a span of 91 years, 4-H enrollment in Texas has grown from the original 25 corn club members in Jack County in 1908 to more than one million youth in 2000!The Texas 4-H Museum is located in Jacksboro (Jack County), the birthplace of 4-H in Texas.
Download A Detailed History of 4-H in Texas and the United States
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