Welcome to the Lawrence County 4-H Program
There is no cost to join, but the value is huge!
Lawrence County 4-H is the youth development organization of both The University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University. 4-H encourages diverse groups of youth to develop their unique skills and talents to the fullest potential. Young people participate in 4-H through clubs, special interest groups, after-school programs, camps and many other activities. "Learning by doing" through hands-on activities and community involvement empowers 4-H members to develop and strengthen life skills.
4-H is a family affair. This includes the parent-child relationship and the extended family of community and state. It is a unique blend of government, private business and volunteers working together to broaden the horizons of Tennessee's young people. 4-H is fun for both child and adult.
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H is open to all youth in 4th through 12th grades. 4-H starts for most 4th through 6th graders with monthly club meetings in the classroom during school hours. Older members and home school students are involved in 4-H events and activities such as the monthly Creative Clovers, judging teams, project groups, community service projects, leadership projects, 4-H Honor Club and/or All-Stars. Most of these groups meet regularly; judging teams and specific project groups meet regularly.
There are a wide range of project areas, events and activities so that every member can find something that interests them and be able to excel at it.
All Lawrence County 4-H Programs are designed to impact one or more of the five basic competency areas which define the range of behaviors and skills identified as essential for adult success. These life skills include:
- Health/Physical: Through an emphasis on exercise and proper nutrition, 4-H members are encouraged to develop habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle which continue in adulthood.
- Personal/Social: Being comfortable with yourself, cooperating with others, forming friendships, assuming responsibility and having self-discipline are important components of social development.
- Cognitive/Creative: Learning is an ongoing part of life. Participation in 4-H projects allows members to choose specific areas of interest and increase their knowledge of those areas through activities.
- Vocational: The 4-H club aims to provide its members with opportunities to gain an awareness of and explore a wide variety of career and vocational options. The life skills developed through 4-H participation help prepare young people for successful professional careers.
- Citizenship/Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of the history and values of community or nation contribute to good citizenship. Involvement in the 4-H program not only teaches young people to appreciate others and learn about their surroundings, but also encourages them to become involved and find ways to make positive contributions to society.
4-H Camps and Conferences
4-H Congress, (Grades 9-12) TN State Capitol, Nashville
Since its beginning in 1948, Congress has given more than 31,400 4-H members and volunteer leaders firsthand experience in state government. 4-H Congress is truly a citizenship experience. At 4-H Congress, you will learn about civic engagement, including things such as state government, service to others, and the election process. While at Congress you will serve as a 4-H senator or representative and form a “junior” state Congress. You also will participate in a service project. You may even choose to run for office. After Congress, you can take the “next steps” to continue your civic engagement in your local community! 4-H Congress is only open to 9th and 10th grade students only. Delegates will be selected from active senior high 4-H members.
Junior 4-H Camp, (Grades 4-6) Ridley 4-H Center, Columbia
Junior 4-H Camp is for 4-H members who have completed grades 4-6. Activities include swimming, shooting sports, mini golf, group sports, fishing, tubing, nature hikes, leather craft and woodworking, T-shirt airbrushing, skits, music, and more.
4-H Electric Camp, (Grades 6-7) UT Knoxville
Electric Camp is a fun-filled, rewarding adventure in electricity held at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The camp features learning centers staffed by electric utility professionals. Each learning center will use hands-on activities that allow 4-H members to learn about electricity by doing. A 4-H member does not have to be enrolled in the electric project to attend the camp, but they should have an interest in this area. 4-H members may attend Electric Camp only once.
Useful Forms:
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