There are two types of people: people who don't know what an extension office is and 4-Hers.

4-H is more than horses, baking, and awkward kids chanting about a grey squirrel.

As a ten year 4-H member, I have encountered many people who assume that the organization is "just a bunch of lame kids who go to 4-H Camp." Yes, someone said that to me. I have a lot to say about 4-H's impact on my life. However, the basics of the organization must first be understood before the depth of 4-H can be appreciated. If you don't know what Clovers & Company, Linger, or a Talk Meet is...I suggest you read the following.

1. The four H's stand for head, heart, hands and health.

2. The 4-H motto is To Make the Best Better.

3. 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."

4. 4-H empowers youth into their adulthood. It is a research-based experience that includes a mentor, a hands-on project, and a meaningful leadership opportunity.

5. Kids experience 4‑H in every county and parish in the country—through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs, and 4‑H camps.

6. Every county in the state has an Cooperative Extension office.

7. Along with other extension agents, the 4-H agent is housed at the county extension office. They are the go-to person for 4-H programming in the county.

8. Going to 4-H Camp is not the only thing we do.

9. Specifically, 4-H has programming in the areas of science, health, agriculture and citizenship.

10. Focus areas for 4‑H science programs include robotics, rocketry, environmental science, agri-science, biotechnology and veterinary science.

11. Focus areas for 4‑H healthy living programs include nutrition, childhood obesity, drug awareness, bullying prevention, health and fitness, safety, stress management, and food science.

12. 4‑H citizenship programs empower young people to be well-informed citizens who are actively engaged in their communities and the world. Youth learn about civic affairs, build decision-making skills and develop a sense of understanding and confidence in relating and connecting to other people.

13. You don’t have to live on a farm to be a 4-H member.

14. Through the community of 100 public universities, 4‑H reaches kids in every corner of America - from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities.

15. 4‑H programs are available for children ages 8-18. 4‑H Cloverbud programs are available for children ages 5-7.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for America's largest youth development organization, I highly encourage you to visit the National 4-H Website or your local Cooperative Extension office.