The 4-H Youth Development Program, the largest youth serving program in the United States, provides informal educational opportunities to youth, ages 8-19.  Activities are offered to youth in urban, rural, and suburban communities through local clubs, school programs, special interest clubs, and individual membership.

In Westmoreland County, over 3,000 youth participate in 4-H opportunities yearly, directed by over 300 adult volunteer leaders.

The goals of the 4-H Program are to increase knowledge on a variety of project areas while enhancing life-skills such as decision-making, public speaking, and leadership.  We try to accomplish these goals through group interactions such as:  communicating, working cooperatively, and being responsible.  The youth learn by experiential activities-- preparing, designing, and evaluating their projects.

The research based 4-H Program is directed by The Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Service and is a non-profit service.  All project materials are free and no dues are paid to the Extension Service.

Local Community &  County-Wide 4-H Clubs

In Westmoreland County, most 4-H members choose to join a local or county-wide club.  Clubs provide an organized atmosphere and utilize the knowledge of volunteer adult leaders.

4-H members may study one subject area or several projects, depending on their interests. 

Members can choose projects from the over 150 “learn-by-doing” categories that 4-H offers. All curriculums are research based from Penn State University.

Some project examples follow:

4-H School Programs

This program, offered in cooperation with school districts and individual teachers, provides “hands on” experiences as an enrichment to the school curriculum.  Some examples include: embryology, nutrition education, and aero-space technology.

4-H Special Interest Clubs

Westmoreland County 4-H Program offers special activities to youth coming from non-traditional backgrounds.  An example is the 4-H Nutrition Clubs, represented through the USDA’s Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program (E.F.N.E.P.) Through funding sponsored by the Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau, the Extension Office also works with other youth serving agencies.  Specialized 4-H activities are offered at the county’s Juvenile Detention Center and Emergency Youth Shelter.

Individual Members

This type of membership is applicable to youth who are interested in 4-H, but for various reasons are unable to belong to a club.  Individual members can choose to study from any of the project areas under the direction of a family member or interested adult.

A Year-Long Experience!

Yearly events taking place in the county also provide educational and hands-on learning to members.  Some such events:  summer Nutrition Day Camp, a spring county-wide overnighter and the Westmoreland Fair.

Other activities offered throughout the year: Teen Leader Events, Residential Summer Camp, and leadership/citizenship conferences throughout the state, nation, and world.

We Care About Volunteers!

Before becoming a screened leader, adult volunteers receive an in-depth training by the Westmoreland County 4-H Staff.  Afterwards many opportunities are offered to keep leaders up-to-date on trends  including workshops on youth development, club programming ideas, and leadership skills.  The Westmoreland County 4-H Program is proud of its leaders’ commitment to youth, and is committed to supporting and recognizing the volunteers in their efforts!

Interested?

For more information, please contact US

or visit our website at: http://westmoreland.extension.psu.edu

4-H Pledge

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.

4-H Colors

Green and White

4-H Motto

"To Make the Best Better"

Return to 4-H Main Page

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities.  The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.  Direct all affirmative action inquiries to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801; tel.  (814) 865-4700/V, (814)863-1150/TTY. 

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities.  If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access  provided, please contact the Westmoreland County Cooperative Extension Office at (724) 837-1402 in advance of your participation or visit.