4-H
4-H Today
Today 4-H is serving youth in rural, urban, and suburban communities in every state. 4-H is helping today’s youth thrive in everyday life and their futures. 4-H provides a place where youth can find and explore what interests them. It creates a place where all kids feel welcomed and builds relationships. 4-H creates and builds relationships with other young people and adults. It also challenges and encourages youth to pursue their own learning and growth. It allows active engagement where youth have a voice.
4-H History
The birth of 4-H in the United States is considered when A.B. Grahm started a youth program in Clark County, Ohio in 1902. That same year T.A. Erickson of Douglas County, Minnesota, started local agricultural after-school clubs.
The clover pin with an H on each leaf was developed in 1910. Originally a 3-leaf clover an H for Head, Heart and Hands it was changed to a 4-Leaf Clover adding the final H representing Health. By 1912 they were all called 4-H clubs.
The Smith-Lever Act passed in 1914 creating the Cooperative Extension System as USDA and nationalized 4-H. 1924 brought the forming of 4-H clubs and the clover emblem was adopted.
Bomgaars and 4-H
Bomgaars believes in supporting the future of the youth in the community. Discount Club Cards is one of the ways we do this. 4-H members can pick up a card from their local Bomgaars store for 10% off project related merchandise. We want to know what 4-H members are learning and showing. Yearly we have the Fair Project photo contest. In 2024 we gave out $7,000 in Bomgaars Gift Cards, 4 – 24 in. Tubo fans, and 15 4-H Clubs and/or FFA Chapters received $1,000 each.
" We are proud to support youth and education as both represent the future and a core part of our mission. Our local chapters of 4-H and FFA align perfectly with this and give us a great opportunity to give back to the community. Some of the many ways we support them are through their show animals at fair time, 4-H premium auctions and the various ways each club teaches and guides their group. If there is a way for us to help, whether by donating product, cash or our time, we know that every investment is making the world a better place." - Aaron Bomgaars
For over 100 years 4-H has been investing in the youth of the country. Bomgaars believes in these youth and continue to support them as they grow.
