University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H logo 4-H youth in a race

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Oxford County

What is 4-H?
Who Can Belong?
Targeting Life Skills
4-H Opportunities
 Programs Available
Projects Available
 

4-H Camp and Learning Center at Bryant Pond
(former Maine Conservation School)

Contact Information

Maine 4-H
 
 County Offices
Find out about workshops and demonstrations in your neighborhood and around the state.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension Oxford County Office
9 Olson Road,
South Paris, ME 04281-6402
Phone: (207) 743-6329 or
800-287-1482 (in Maine)
FAX: (207) 743-0373
E-mail: susanj@umext.maine.edu

Power of the 4-H Pledge
4-H Motto and Slogan

The 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.

The Pledge defined

Head. . .

  • Learn how to think.
  • Practicing making decisions.
  • Understanding "whys" and "hows."

Heart . . .

  • Being concerned about others.
  • Accepting responsibility.
  • Learning how to work together.
Hands . . .
  • Learning new skills.
  • Perfecting old skills.
  • Creating with pride.

Health . . .

  • Understanding how to live in a healthy way.
  • Learning how to work safely.
  • Making constructive use of leisure time.

What is the power of the 4-H Pledge?

For the answer, it helps to look at the 4-H Targeting Life Skills (TLS) model. This model is used by educators, volunteers, and youth to design programs that develop specific life skills. The four parts of the 4-H pledge comprise the center of the model's wheel—head, heart, hands and health. Radiating outwards, the model targets specific skills in the areas of relating, servicing their community, respecting themselves and others, and learning healthy behaviors. As 4-Hers mature, the programs they participate in target increasingly advance life skill development areas. 

4-H motto and slogan

To make the best better.

Clover four H's defined

The four "H"s target life skills:
Head: Planning & Organizing; Problem Solving & Decision Making; 
Heart: Communication & Cooperation; Showing Concern for Others
Hands: Community Service & Volunteering with others
Health: Stress Management & Disease Prevention: Character Education

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