The 4-H Emblem is a green four leaf clover with a white "H" on each leaf. The emblem symbolizes the desired skills and abilities youth will learn through their participation in 4-H activities.

Head - Problem solving: ability to sort out complex problems.

Heart - Emotional development: developing good attitudes toward work and learning, developing acceptance and appreciation of other people.

Hands - Skills development: ability to do skill by doing and habit of doing.

Health - Physical development: understanding and appreciating a growing and changing body.

4-H Youth Development is a nonformal educational youth program, conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension. The purpose of 4-H Youth Development is to help diverse young people discover and develop their potential and grow into competent, contributing, and caring citizens. Learn by doing activities, youth-adult partnerships, and research-based educational programs help young people enhance their leadership abilities and develop a wide range of other life skills.

WHY: leadership/citizenship development; life skills education; strengthening youth-families-communities; advancing the field of youth development

HOW: experiential education ("learn by doing"); bridging research and practice; building partnerships for programming and funding; cross-age learning and teaching; youth-adult partnerships

WHERE: school enrichment programs; community clubs; special interest projects and programs; school-aged child care; camp experiences; independent study; distance learning.