Downtown Hagerstown 4-H
4‑H is a Community for all Kids
4-H is one of the most powerful youth development programs in the world. 4-H has the ability to connect youth from all corners of a county, state, country, and globe. Our program opens doors for young people to experience new things, meet new people, forge relationships with caring adults, and have perhaps their first exposure to colleges and careers. For many, 4-H is the 1st class of a land grant university. In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.
Through life-changing 4‑H programs, nearly six million kids and teens have taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for equity and inclusion for all.
In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.
Maryland 4-H clubs are committed to investing in the power of young people, no matter their location, race, ethnicity, gender, or individual identity. Washington County 4-H has 17 community clubs located throughout the county. Youth ages 8-18 may join as regular members and those ages 5-7 may join as clover members. Each member chooses the project areas in which they are interested. There are over 200 projects to choose from.
Interested in joining? Please contact the Washington County 4-H office at 301-791-1304 to obtain an information packet about the 4-H Youth Development Program or check out the How to Join page.
If you have questions specific to the Downtown Hagerstown 4-H Club, please contact our group leader, Kim Ridenour, for more information at miskim@myactv.net or by phone at 240.313.0709.
What is 4‑H?
4-H is the largest youth development organization in the United States, with about 6 million participants and over 25 million alumni!
The Maryland 4-H Youth Development Program provides a supportive setting for youth to reach their fullest potential. Children learn beneficial cognitive and life skills through community-focused, research-based, experiential educational programs. Participation is open to all youth ages 5-18. The Clover Program is open to youth ages 5-7 years and the 4-H Program serves 8-18-year-old participants. 4-H values diversity and advocates for the inclusiveness of all children regardless of background or identity.
4-H has an over 100-year tradition of voluntary action through strong public and private partnerships at federal, state, and community levels. Local volunteer leaders and youth practitioners partner with local Extension staff from the University of Maryland to provide direct leadership and educational support to young people in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
The 4-H youth development program is a group of young people engaging in various projects, events, and activities with adult and teen leaders and their families. Regardless of the programs, each 4-H group involves youth, family, and community members working and learning together.4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better. The Downtown Hagerstown 4-H Club is a proud member of the University of Maryland Extension (UME) of Washington County. UME is a statewide, non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Maryland College Park, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The UME network also includes support from the USDA as well as the county government. The Allegany County UME faculty and staff provide a broad range of outreach through workshops, seminars, classes, clinics, newsletters, consultations, and media efforts.
We Believe In:
- all young people’s potential;
- developing young people who are empowered, confident, hard-working, determined, responsible and compassionate—seeing a world beyond themselves so that they have the life-long skills to succeed in college and career,
- ensuring access and equity for all,
- the power of America’s leading public universities,
- the practice of positive youth development (PYD)* by creating positive learning experiences,
- caring and trusted adult mentors who cultivate positive relationships with youth,
- creating safe, diverse and inclusive environments, and
- meeting young people wherever they are.
Maryland 4-H Mission
The Maryland 4-H Youth Development Program provides a supportive and inclusive setting for all youth to reach their fullest potential in a diverse society. Youth learn beneficial and cognitive life skills through community-focused, research-based experiential education programs.
Our Vision
Maryland 4-H aspires to be a recognized leading youth development program that inspires youth and adults to learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.
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.”
Motto
