FRIENDS Introduction to OKLAHOMA 4-H For More Information about 4-H Contact:
Welcome to the magical world of 4-H. In 4-H you can explore, demonstrate, search, inquire, laugh, sing, dance, eat, camp, pretend, learn, play and have tons of fun. Most of all you ll make friends. In fact, you are the magician of your 4-H career. Let s reach into your hat and see what s out there. 4-H...the Early Days Find a 4-H er Who, What & Where Your 4-H Club The 4-H Pledge The 4-H Emblem There s Something Magical Here The Magic of the four-leaf Clover Be Your Own 4-H Magician Abracadabra Oklahoma...a Magical Place to Call Home Activity Checklist
4-H The Early Days In 1907, when Oklahoma was mostly farmland and open range, Mr. W.D. Bentley moved here from Texas and began what is now known as the Extension Service. Mr. Bentley set up the first Extension office in Tishomingo, Oklahoma in Johnston County. Mr. Bentley hired agents to conduct demonstration work and begin youth work. The agents he hired started boys Corn Clubs, boys Cotton Clubs and girls Tomato Canning Clubs. Boys in the Corn Club would try and grow an acre of the biggest ears of corn. While boys in the Cotton Club were trying to grow more cotton per acre. In the Girls Tomato Canning Club, girls would grow, harvest and can tomatoes from their families vegetable gardens. Soon children all over the state were joining corn and tomato clubs. In the early 1900 s, these projects were more than just fun and games. More corn and more cotton meant more money for the family and more grain to feed livestock. A bumper crop of tasty tomatoes meant more food for the family. But something else was happening as these early club members hurried home from school to check their spring plantings. They were using new methods to grow their corn and cotton-new ideas that many adults were not interested in trying until they saw they would work. In 1914, the Cooperative Extension Service was formed across the nation. Senator Smith from Georgia and Representative Lever from South Carolina had the idea to hire a new kind of teacher for every county in the U.S. Money from the United States Department of Agriculture, the local land grant institution and county governments would enable teachers to share information from colleges with folks in a county. These teachers would also work with youth who were now called 4-H club members. These teachers were called county agricultural agents and home demonstration agents in the early 1900's. Today in Oklahoma we call these Extension Educators. They take ideas to new people-young and old-where they live and work and play. Early club members entered their corn, cotton and tomatoes in contests such as fairs and were awarded prizes. Today 4-H ers may still participate in fair activities
but there are hundreds of other activities, too. Just like the early 4-H ers, you will share new ideas with your family and friends as well as learn more about yourself, your community, and your world. Many, many Oklahoman s have been 4-H members. Each year over 150,000 kids are involved in Oklahoma 4-H. Several famous folks are even former 4-H ers-vice President Al Gore, Music star, Reba McIntyre & Actress Holly Hunter. If you ask your family, friends and neighbors you ll probably find at least one 4-H er in the bunch. FIND A 4-H ER Ask your friends, family and neighbors and interview at least one current or former 4-H who is not in your 4-H club. This could be an older 4-H er or 4-H alumni. You may not find an original Corn Club member but you ll surely learn some neat 4-H facts. You might even share what you learn at your next 4-H meeting. Former/Older 4-H ers Name Address Phone number When were you a 4-H er Where What were your favorite 4-H activities or projects? Who were your 4-H leaders? Were you a club officer? Did you give a speech or attend 4-H Camp? What did you learn in 4-H? Would you like to become involved in 4-H once again?
WHO, WHAT & WHERE 4-H club members are young people ages nine to nineteen. Some 4- H ers still live on farms but most live in small towns and rural areas. Quite a few 4-H ers live in suburban and urban areas, too. 4-H ers ages 9-13 are called Junior 4-H ers, ages 14-19 are called Senior 4-H members. Each 4-H level has lots of activities planned just for these 4-H ers. Older 4-H ers also act as teen leaders assisting the younger ones with activities and events. The 4-H club motto is almost as old as the club itself. For nearly 100 years, 4-H ers have learned by doing in order to Make the Best Better. GREEN & WHITE Green & white were selected as 4-H club colors. For many years, 4-H ers wore uniforms in competition. These uniforms were green and white. Some 4-H ers made their own uniforms while others purchased them. Today, 4-H ers outfits are as different as their own personalities. There are no 4-H uniforms but many items are available with the 4-H emblem and green and white are still the colors of the 4-H club. Why not design your own 4-H t- shirt using the shirt on the right?
YOUR 4-H CLUB Your club is your first stop for 4-H. During club meetings, you ll explore and learn about different activities; you ll hear announcements about upcoming fun events and activities; you ll get to know your fellow 4-H ers. Let s get started... I WOULD LIKE TO BELONG TO 4-H CLUB As our U.S. Constitution outlines, every four years, we elect a president to run our country. Our president is assisted by members of Congress in the House of Representatives and the Senate. These elected officials make decisions, run meetings and plan things for our country. In your 4-H club you have elected officers to make your 4-H year more fun. Club members who are not officers can be involved in lots of the meeting activities. Everyone should work together. You may want to do a demonstration, share an idea or help with an activity. If everyone works together the meeting is much more fun. My 4-H Club. Meeting Place: Meeting Date: Meeting Time: THE 4-H CLUB PLEDGE A pledge is a promise. The 4-H club pledge was written by Otis Hall from Kansas in 1927. Even though our 4-H club has changed a lot since then, the pledge still stands as a commitment for 4-H ers to do their best. Learn the pledge and say it with pride at each of your 4-H club meetings. 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 country and my world.
The 4-H Emblem In the early corn, cotton & tomato canning club days, leaders used pins with a three leaf clovers to award their members for a job well done. In 1911 during a meeting of the boys and girls club work leaders, the four leaf clover emblem was adopted. More than 30 years later in June of 1948, the 80th Congress of the United States signed Public Law 772 recognizing the 4-H name and emblem as representing the 4-H club. Today the emblem stands as one of the ten most recognized symbols in the U.S. The emblem consists of four leaves of a clover with each bearing one of the H s. Originally, the clover was selected for its representation of the principles of scientific farming and greater profits for common people. Today, the emblem represents one of the world s largest and most popular clubs for children. Create Your Own Emblem The 4-H emblem is the symbol of 4-H. Create your own symbol or coat of arms using the shield on the right. You will want to include symbols of your interests and activities. You may want to have letters or pictures just as the H s are in the clover.
THERE S SOMETHING MAGICAL HERE In Oklahoma more than 150,000 young people participate in clubs, projects, camps, activities and enrichment programs through the 4-H program. 4-H ers are between the ages of nine and nineteen and may be found in all corners of the state. PARENTS support 4-H and your projects in lots of ways. In fact, we would not have many children in 4-H if it weren t for parents. Not all young people live with parents, but there is always an older person who may play this part. VOLUNTEER leaders are adults who give their time to work with 4-H members. Many are former 4-H ers themselves. A volunteer may chaperone a trip, lead or assist with a club meeting or special project or may even help raise money for 4-H activities. Many volunteers are parents, grandparents, teachers, or other adults who like to help young people. TEACHERS have learned to count on young people who do extra work in 4-H. They know that 4-H ers learn more by doing more. DONORS are companies, civic groups, associations, and private individuals who donate money and resources to the 4-H program. Even though 4-H receives support from the United State Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma State University and local governments, many activities would not be possible without donor support. COUNTY EXTENSION EDUCATORS & 4-H PROGRAM ASSISTANTS are trained to work with boys and girls. Your 4-H EDUCATOR works with your county but he or she also works with Oklahoma State University. A big college like the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at OSU has teachers who specialize in any one of a thousand subjects. Extension educators depend on these experts called specialists to come up with new ways of doing things to make your life simpler, and better.
The Magic of the Four Leaf Clover One leaf is HOPE One leaf is FAITH One leaf is LOVE THE FOURTH LEAF IS LUCK The four leaf clover is the universally accepted symbol of good luck. Long ago, people believed that the white clover was a charm against evil spirits. Druids saw the clover as a sign of luck. In 1620, Sir John Melton said If a man walking in the fields find any four-leaved grass, he shall in a small while after find some good things. No clover plant produces all four leaflets. The Trifolium repens, White Clover, will produce some four leaf clovers. It mainly produces the common 3 leaf clover. With it s rarity the four leaf clover continues as a symbol of good luck. How do you say Good Luck? Below are several ways to say good luck. Can you guess the language? Buena Suerte Buona Fortuna POMAIKA I Chinese English French Pick from these languages German Hawaiian Italian Japanese Latin Spanish Gutes Gluck Bonne Chance
BE YOUR OWN 4-H MAGICIAN You can pull any number of tricks from your hat in 4-H. Create your own magic by getting involved in 4-H activities outside of the school day. Your club may offer some of these activities. PROJECT WORK Remember the early 4-H projects of corn and tomatoes. Today, 4-H ers may select one of more than fifty projects to explore and share. Once you have selected your 4-H projects, you can learn more about your project by studying and completing a 4-H project book. The project book is full of information and activities related to your project. Once you have experienced project work you can turn in a project recordbook, do a demonstration or give a speech about what you have learned. It s not all work, though, 4-H ers competing have lots of fun and are honored with ribbons and other awards for their work. JUDGING EVENTS 4-H ers judge everything from clothes to cows. With a judging event, you don t have to know anything about your topic. Your 4-H leader will help you with information and lots of practice sessions. In a judging contest, you and your county teammates put your knowledge to the test by comparing and grading similar items. Judging events are offered all during the year. SHOWS and FAIRS Lots of 4-H ers still raise animals and show livestock and horses in area shows and events. Whether a sheep, heifer or hog, 4-H ers may be judged on how well they show or on the animal they own. 4-H ers who do not own animals may also enter several local and state fairs with everything from mini-booths to creative painted pumpkins. COUNTY, DISTRICT, and STATE EVENTS Every year counties offer competitive and educational events. At these events you can compete by giving a speech or participating in Impressive Dress or Dress Revue. You may even try the Job Readiness event. Not all events are competitive. 4-H offers summer camps, lock-ins, leadership conferences and many other educational opportunities. OTHER ACTIVITIES Your 4-H club may travel to OSU for 4-H Day or visit a local tourist attraction. You may have special summer activities, besides camp, or you may participate in a community service project. Remember, you can be as active a 4-H er as you like. Make a little magic by being involved.
ABRACADABRA Hidden in the puzzle are 4-H activities for you in 4-H this year along with 4-H words to know. Hidden words may be forwards or backwards, up, down or diagonal. C P R U G E C T H A P A R E N T S H I W S L P A P S O O F R I E N D S F F E J O N N E J L Y R E H C R P M I M R O T A C U D E N O I S N E T X E Y T N U O C M N A M H A N D S I R O D F A R E C H K L G E R G A U I S D U N A H T N E M E V E I H C A T C E J O R P D P A H E N E N A I D P S W O H S A R U A L C F A S O T A T R H I F A I R H E A L T O S U D A Y C A M P N P R O J E C T C L U B S T H V S U R R O E R I A A O I K A T A L Y Y N A N S O E C M M V E N G O O S A R D E H E R S D P P R A U N A L E M I E R R I C S C A H E A L T H E J O R N I F D O R E F T A O H A I I C L U B E Y E L S N A O H R O V C R U N R E A M S S H L T Y L E G N I G D U J E P E L F M U A G N D T S A Y O L I E M R E T N U H E A R A U F L W O H S A E F R E I N D K R O N A D T H C A G N N O A D E H N J A P C N A D Y N N I G H C R A T S O B V J U D G T N Achievement Camp Clover Club Community Project CountyExtensionEducator Donor Fair Friends Fun Hands Head HIDDEN WORDS Health Heart Judging OSUDay Parents Program Assistant Project Project Clubs Summer Fun Shows Volunteer
OKLAHOMA Oklahoma is a State rich in history and tradition. Oklahoma began as Indian Territory and later was home to cattle drives on the Chisholm Trail. Oklahoma achieved statehood in 1907. The first landrun began in Stillwater in 1889. Oklahoma s Capital is located in the heart of the state, Oklahoma City. Oklahoma is a magical place. A place we call home! A MAGICAL PLACE WE CALL HOME Can you locate with symbols these places? The location of Oklahoma State University, home of the OSU Cowboys. Johnston County, home of the first Extension office. Your home county. The capital of Oklahoma Stillwater, where Oklahoma began with a landrun.
Your 4-H year will be filled with lots of fun and friends! As a new 4-H er, you ll want to be able to talk the talk and walk the walk. Check off each of the activities you have completed. Find a 4-H er Interview Design a 4-H T-Shirt Describe Your 4-H Club Memorize the 4-H Pledge Design your own emblem Language of Luck Matching Abracadabra Word Find I have completed all of the activities listed above and am ready for some more 4-H magic! 4-H ers signature Date
References & Resources Adapted from Introduction to Friends magazine developed by Jenny Jordan, Extension 4-H Specialist, University of Georgia. Cox, C. Research Notes for Oklahoma 4-H History Oklahoma State 4-H Club Program Policies, (July1, 2000 June 30, 2001) Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma 4-H literature No. 5 Reck, F.M, The 4-H Story. National Committee on Boys & Girls Club Work. Iowa State College Press. Ames, Iowa. (1951) Simpich, F. (1948, November). 4-H Boys and Girls Grow More Food. The National Geographic Magazine Vol XCIV. No. 5. pp.551-581, Taylor. N.L. (1985) Clover Science & Technology University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, 4-H Exploring Series, 1985 University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Introduction to Friends, Fall 1999 Friends, Introduction to Oklahoma 4-H, was adapted and developed by Jeff Sallee, Extension Educator, 4-H & Youth Development, Pottawatomie County OSU Extension Service, February 2001 Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.