Georgia 4-H helps youth to acquire knowledge, develop life skills and form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directive and productive members of society. The program sets the stage for youth and adults to learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.
Mission
Georgia 4-H has a mission to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. This mission is accomplished through hands-on learning experiences and a focus on agricultural and environmental issues, agriculture awareness, leadership, communication skills, foods and nutrition, health, energy conservation and citizenship.
Georgia 4-H is all about exploring and discovering, encouraging and challenging. As a program of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension System, 4-H is part of the nationwide Extension network.
Members of 4-H are known for sharing their research-based knowledge and technology with others where they live and work. Georgia 4-H combines federal, state, and local expertise and resources.
Environmental Education
Environmental education programs are administered by UGA Cooperative Extension at six 4-H centers across the state.
These programs offer teachers and students a combination of resources in the forms of nature and equipment to aid in the learning process. Programs can be customized to meet specific objectives as requested by visiting schools.
Program Objectives
To develop an awareness, knowledge and appreciation for the natural environment
To cultivate curiosity, critical reasoning and evaluation skills
To develop positive relationships between students and their teachers
To make the school program more meaningful by applying knowledge and skills required in the classroom to real-life situations
To provide experiences in scientific processes, such as observing, measuring, classifying, etc.
To develop self-confidence and physical fitness
To develop an appreciation for the local and natural history of an area
In addition to its experts throughout the state, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is powered by thousands of volunteers who give generously to extend program impact and reach in support of UGA Extension missions. Throughout National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 20-26, UGA Extension will host special events that highlight the volunteers who have donated their time to facilitate 4-H, Master Gardener, and Family and Consumer Sciences programming.
Leadership came to life for the largest-ever Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol delegation in Atlanta as 4-H’ers engaged with the civic process. Elected officials joined nearly 800 youth, staff, volunteers and supporters on Feb. 25 to celebrate the impact of 4-H in Georgia. State Sen. Larry Walker and Georgia Rep. Rick Jasperse served as legislative hosts for the 4-H delegation. County 4-H groups explored and toured the Capitol building, and many 4-H leaders arranged direct meetings with senators and representatives from their districts. Georgia’s current slate of elected officials includes many 4-H alumni, parents and supporters who welcomed students to the place where government comes to life.
Ben Hill County 4-H captured a first place win in the National Consumer Decision Making division at the Family and Consumer Science National Championship and Conference on Jan. 17 in San Antonio, Texas. The winning team members included Thomas Holt, Nandini Patel, Landon Sinyard and Ruby Witt, with support from coach Laura Lee Hughes, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension 4-H agent and county coordinator for Ben Hill County.
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