There’s No Place Like 4-H

In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy reminds us that there’s no place like home. For many young people, that same feeling of belonging and adventure can be found in 4-H. It’s where curiosity meets courage, friendships grow, and learning lights the path ahead (like the glow of the Emerald City at the end of the yellow brick road).

What is 4-H?

4-H is a place for youth ages 5 through 18 to learn by doing. It’s built on hands-on learning, leadership, and community involvement. Members explore all kinds of project areas, including public speaking, STEM, healthy living, animal science, and shooting sports. Some love giving presentations, some enjoy experimenting with science and technology, and others find their passion in cooking, gardening, or community service. As you explore the display, you’ll see a few 4-H project areas written along the yellow brick road. These represent different paths you can take in 4-H. No matter where their interests lie, every project helps youth build confidence, learn new skills, and discover their own strengths along the way. Everyone’s journey is a little different, but they all lead to the Emerald City of success.

How can you get involved?

You don’t need ruby slippers to find your way here. Getting started is easy. Families can join a local 4-H club, sign up for workshops or summer camps, or take part in county events and presentations. Parents are welcome too and often become an important part of the program by volunteering, helping with projects, or simply cheering their child on.

What’s in it for you?

In 4-H, youth learn to think through challenges like the Scarecrow, care deeply like the Tin Man, and find courage like the Lion. And, just like Dorothy, they discover that the journey matters just as much as the destination. Along the way, they gain skills that last a lifetime such as teamwork, leadership, confidence, and responsibility. Parents love that 4-H gives their kids a safe, encouraging place to grow, make friends, and discover what they’re capable of.

Each part of the 4-H pledge reminds us what that journey is all about:

Head to clearer thinking because smart choices help us find the right path.

Heart to greater loyalty because caring makes us stronger together.

Hands to larger service because helping others brings us all home.

Health to better living because courage begins when we take care of ourselves.

At the end of Dorothy’s journey, she learned that home was where she truly belonged. Here in Wilson County, many youth find that same feeling in 4-H. It’s a place to learn, to grow, and to belong. There’s truly no place like 4-H!

To start your journey in 4-H:

Check out NC 4-H to find your local 4-H Program!

Check out Wilson County 4-H to find a club in Wilson!