4-H is a youth development program that provides a supportive setting for all youth to mature into competent, caring, and responsible adults through the learning of beneficial cognitive and life skills.



All boys and girls who are at least 8 years of age by January 1 and who have not passed their 19th birthday by January 1 can join 4-H. A special 4,'H Clover Program is offered for children ages 5 through 7.



Many 4-H programs are community-based, with leadership provided by adult and teen volunteers. Each county and Baltimore City has programs that are designed to meet the needs of kids, teens, and the volunteers who work with them, so 4-H may look different in different places.



“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.”



They have fun with friends at meetings, social activities, camps, and fairs and on tours and trips. They have opportunities to provide leadership to younger children and to learn more about themselves.



A 4-H club is a group of five or more young people, guided by one or more adult 4-H leaders approved through the Maryland Cooperative Extension volunteer process. Each club has an educational plan that meets the purposes of the 4-H program. The club meets on a continuing basis, usually once a month, at a location convenient for the members of the club—typically in central places such as a school or community center. Some clubs may meet at a food bank, library, or other location in conjunction with a community service activity. Youth are involved in leadership and decision-making roles because clubs “belong” to their members. Many clubs have officers (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, etc.) that are elected by the members.



The Conference Planning Committee is soliciting presenters for a variety of session formats. Review the following options and select the one that is most appropriate for your proposal. Participants will receive an honorarium for their presentation but will be responsible for their own conference registration fee, travel and lodging. Selected presenters will be notified

early in December. Presenters are to provide Conference Coordinators with the electronic version of their presentation to be included in the conference proceedings.