Florida 4-H Program Handbook
SECTION 8: 4-H Events and Activities
The Goal of 4-H Events
All 4-H events should foster a stronger educational 4-H program by providing physical, mental, social, and emotional growth experiences for individual 4-H members. Events should give 4-H members positive, meaningful experiences in leadership and citizenship development.
Provide A Balance Between Competitive and Noncompetitive Events
Historically, competitive events were a keystone of the 4-H program. The early days of contests for the best corn as a means to get public awareness of new hybrids and canned tomatoes introducing safe canning practices are 4-H legacies. As times have changed so has 4-H to meet the interests and needs of all youth.
Competitive events do not appeal to all youth so county 4-H programs should also offer non-competitive, cooperative learning activities in a balanced, informal educational program. Many of these noncompetitive events also have a long history with 4-H as they strive to enhance young people's leadership and citizenship opportunities.
Florida 4-H Calendar of Events and Activities
An annual calendar of district, state, and national 4-H events is distributed at the beginning of the 4-H year. This is an accurate source for event dates, deadlines, and contact people. For the most current copy of the Events Calendar click here.
The Florida 4-H Program offers a wide range of both competitive and noncompetitive events to support the county 4-H programs. This section will describe these event opportunities as well as the management procedures, guidelines and policies needed for county participation in district, state, and national events.
County, district, state, and national Events offer many exciting opportunities ranging from educational conferences, workshops, and camps to competitive exhibitions, public speaking, demonstrations, and judging events.
References/Websites:
Florida 4-H Events Website National 4-H Website
