From A-Z

130 4-H Ideas

A

ACTION AMBASSADORS - select club members to serve as hosts and hostesses for local
parent-teacher organization, serve as tour guides for open house, or assist teachers with
various school functions.

ADOPT A - club adopts a local group and conducts activities monthly; suggested groups
are nursing homes, pediatric unit of a local hospital, child care centers, homeless shelters,
etc.

ARBOR DAY - conduct a tree planting ceremony at your local school on the third Friday in
January.

" AUTO " BUCKLE UP - educational program on the importance of wearing safety belts while
traveling; contact your local law enforcement agency for videos and additional information.

AWESOME 4-H'ER OF THE MONTH - recognize a hard working 4-H member every month; award
a certificate and coupon for free snack at school or free meal at local food establishment.

B

BABYSITTING WORKSHOP - conduct a workshop on babysitter responsibilities, safety
guidelines, play with children, guidelines for emergencies, behavior guidelines, and meal
and snack preparation; involve a 4-H junior leader in teaching activities; the 4-H child
development and family life project book are excellent resources.

BICYCLE SAFETY CLINIC - program on safe riding and maintenance of bicycle.

BLOOD DRIVE - sponsor a blood drive at your local school; members obtain names of possible
donors; blood donor agencies may offer free blood plans for additional family members if
some quotas are met; T-shirts may be offered to 4-H members.

BUDDY BEARS - club members dress and donate "teddy bears" to be distributed to children
recovering from surgery or who are critically ill; bears may also be donated to ambulance
units or law enforcement officers to distribute to children they are helping in a time of
crisis.

BULLETIN BOARD - secure a hallway or cafeteria bulletin board to publicize your 4-H club
activities.

C

CAMP SURVIVAL CLINIC - campers and their parents learn the do's and don'ts for 4-H camp and
what and how to pack for camp.

CAREER ACTION PLAN - senior 4-H members identify and explore various career opportunities;
invite guidance counselors and/or other professionals as guest speakers.

CAST FOR TRASH - work cooperatively with local marinas to distribute trash bags to
recreational boaters and fishermen to use in disposing trash; this activity can be
conducted in conjunction with statewide beach sweep activities; trash returned can be
weighed and recorded; contact local waste management for additional trash bins.

CLOSET CLEAN OUT - clothing drive for local Salvation Army or Red Cross.

COATS FOR KIDS - collect coats, jackets, and sweaters for needy children; contact local dry
cleaning business for donation of cleaning services for items collected; coats may be
distributed through school or other community agency.

D

DECK THE HALLS - door decorating contest among school classrooms for every occasion (back
to school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mardi Gras, Valentine's Day, Easter, and
end of school; best door classes are awarded popcorn, soft drink, or cool-pop party.

DEMO DO'S & DON'TS - workshop on how to give a good demonstration.

DOLL DONATION - club dress and donate toy dolls to charitable organization providing toys to
needy children.

DRESS-UP DAYS - sponsor various theme dress-up days throughout the school year (all
students); examples: 50's day, freaky Friday, jogging suit day, camouflage day, green and
white day, inside-out day, hat day, etc.

DROPOUT PREVENTION PROGRAM - seminar for senior 4-H members; contact local school
board for statistical information and speakers.

E

EARTH DAY - conduct environmental awareness programs during the month of April; PSA's by
club members.

ENERGY DAY - work cooperatively with your local electric utility company; educational
programs on energy conservation, safety and electricity, how electricity is generated and
distributed, services provided by electric company, and career opportunities.

ENERGY PATROL - club members monitor school facilities on wasteful use of electricity and
poor energy conservation practices, members work with school personnel to correct
problems and other areas of concern.

EVERYDAY ETIQUETTE - workshop on good manners, telephone etiquette, table etiquette;
involve junior leader working in personal development project.

EYEGLASSES DONATION - collect old eyeglasses and donate to local Lions Club or Foundation.

F

FALL FANTASIA - sponsor a fall festival of fun activities to celebrate the season.

FARM DAY - students dress in farm clothes; livestock project members exhibit their animals and
conduct an educational program about each animal.

FILE A COMPLAINT - this activity can be used as a fund raiser in which members and other
students pay a small fee (5-10 cents) to complain about a teacher or something in the
school.

FIRST AID CLINIC - contact your local American Red Cross for an instructor to conduct basic
first aid classes for members and/or students.

FUN DAY - club sponsors a day of relay races and other fun games for 4-H members and their
parents; families bring picnic lunches.

G

GARDENS GALORE - secure a spot in the school yard where members can plant and maintain a
vegetable garden; harvested vegetables can be sold to teachers and other school faculty or
conduct a bi-weekly farmers market before school to allow parents to purchase vegetables.

GENERAL STORE - stock your 4-H general store with 4-H supplies (National 4-H Supply Catalog),
buttons, pencils, note cards, record book covers, etc.; sales people record and maintain
inventory, manage money, stock shelves, conduct special sales.

GLOBAL PATROL - members identify ways to help the environment at their homes and/or
school; members select a global project to conduct monthly.

GO FOR THE GOAL - goal setting activity for junior and senior high members focusing on short,
mid, and long term goals in 4-H projects, education, and careers.

GROCERY DRIVE - this is not just an ordinary food drive, however, non-perishable food items
are accepted; encourage members to donate ordinary household supplies such as
detergents, cleaning products, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and any other products that
are non-perishable; these are items which needy families can not purchase with food
stamps but still need desperately.

H

HEALTH FAIR - secure doctors, dentists, fitness instructor, dietician, and other health
professionals to set up booths or exhibits related to good health; activities could also
include blood pressure checks, eye examinations, fitness classes.

HEARTFEST - the American Heart Association and the LCES sponsor HEARTFEST in late
September or early October; members can display nutrition posters in the school cafeteria
and can distribute nutrition information to teachers; sponsor a HEARTFEST school lunch.

HOLIDAY T-SHIRT WORKSHOPS - materials needed for this workshop include T-shirts, paints,
fabrics, decorative trims, fusible webbing, irons, ironing boards, and T-shirt decorating
boards; charge a fee or secure donations for this workshop; allow 2 hours per 20 4-H
members; secure leader guidance.

HOMEROOM REPRESENTATIVES - select an active 4-H member to remind 4-H members in their
homeroom about upcoming activities, distribute newsletter, and meet with 4-H leader for
periodic short meetings.

HOW TO - secure a 4-H member to give a project talk or short demonstration during a club
meeting.

I

INCREDIBLE 4-H SPIRIT AWARD - award a 4-H spirit stick for the classroom or grade level
displaying the most 4-H spirit during the club meeting and/or during the month.

INFANT NEEDS DRIVE - collect infant supplies (diapers, baby food and formula, grooming
supplies, etc.) and donate to local children's home, abuse shelter, or agency providing
assistance to families with young children.

INSTALLATION CEREMONY - recognize 4-H officers by conducting an installation ceremony; the
4-H leaders' guide contains a ceremony.

INTRODUCE BOOKS TO OTHERS - conduct a children's book drive and donate books to local
health units, child care centers, doctor's offices, etc.; great literacy program.

IT'S JUST NOT SAFE - anti-smoking and anti-drug program.

J

JACK-O-LANTERN PAINTING CONTEST - members paint pumpkins, judges determine awards,
and painted jack-o-lanterns are sold.

JUMP FOR - jump rope for 4-H or your favorite charitable
organization; members secure donations for time spent jumping or number of times
jumped.

JUNIOR HIGH JUMP - one-day workshop for 12-13 year old 4-H members; fun and educational
activities are designed for their age.

JUNK TO TREASURE - workshop on using recyclable items for home decoration, jewelry, gift
ideas, refinishing furniture.

JUST KIDS AT ART - 4-H members sponsor face or hand painting booth during local school
festival or parish fair.

K

KALEIDOSCOPE - promotion of student achievements in academics, club work, band, athletics,
and other student activities; this activity is conducted parishwide.

KICK 0FF FOR 4-H - enrollment drive conducted to the theme of football; cheerleaders, tickets
(enrollment cards), pep rallies, poster parties and displays are a must!!!

KINDERGARTEN HELPERS - 4-H members read books or conduct simple games for
preschoolers in the school.

KING CAKE SALE - sell tickets for a slice of King Cake during the Mardi Gras season; order
enough King Cakes or one large one and whoever finds the baby receives an extra special
Mardi Gras surprise.

KITCHEN HAZARD HUNT - conduct a program on kitchen safety; members identify unsafe
conditions in their own home kitchens.

L

LABEL COLLECTION - contact local grocery stores for information on types of food labels
which can be collected for cash or school equipment.

LIBRARY EXHIBITS - promote 4-H through local library exhibits.

LIVESTOCK PROJECT DAY -livestock project members conduct demonstrations or
exhibits about their livestock projects.

LOOK YOUR BEST - workshop on dressing for and participating in a job interview.

LOVE AND LOLLIPOPS - buy a lollipop Valentine to send to your best friend or secret pal;
Valentines are delivered to students on Valentine's Day by 4-H members.

M

M IS FOR ME - self-esteem program; members identify positive qualities in themselves.

MARDI GRAS SPIRIT PARADE - 4-H members conduct an in-school Mardi Gras parade with
beads and wagon floats for preschool students.

MEET THE BANK - program on money management - allowances, budgeting, saving, and
opening a savings account.

MONSTER BASH - Halloween party with costumes, haunted house, and games.

MR. AND MS. 4-H - clover crowning or pinning of outstanding male and female 4-H'er.

N

NATURE WALK - members take nature walk in the school yard and identify plants, birds, animal
habitats, etc.

NIFTY FIFTIES DANCE - oldies but goodies is the type of music for this dance; costumes are a
must; the admission fee can be one non-perishable food item.

1993-94 SURVIVAL GUIDE - guide of annual 4-H activities and leader or officer resources.

NOW YOU SEE IT! NOW YOU DON'T - environmental program on Louisiana's disappearing coastline.

NUTRITION PYRAMID FOR HEALTHY 4-H'ERS - program on the new Food Guide Pyramid.

O

O-REALLY!!! - exercise and fitness program; exercises are conducted in which the body or two
people form O's.

0-SCENT-SATIONS - identify 4-H projects by smelling activities; place project related item in a
paper bag or cover up; members identify projects by smelling, use your imagination.

OFFICER TRAINING - workshop on officer responsibilities, parliamentary procedure,
responsibilities of being a committee chairman.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS - exhibit on 4-H opportunities.

ORGANIZE YOUR TIME - senior 4-H program on the efficient use of time management tools.

P

PARENTS TO KIDS - involving 4-H parents as project leaders and volunteers.

PARTNERS IN 4-H - recruit support from local banks and businesses for 4-H programs and
awards.

PENNY DRIVE - collect pennies only for 4-H or for your favorite charity.

PICTURE PERFECT - photography workshop on how to take good pictures, care of camera
equipment, and how to organize photos and negatives; great project for senior
photography project member.

PROJECT DAY - junior and senior 4-H members conduct project workshops for elementary 4-H club members.

Q

QUACK! QUACK! QUACK! WILDLIFE SEARCH - members identify and learn about wildlife species in Louisiana.

QUAKES, QUIVERS, AND THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT - emergency preparedness for natural disasters.

QUARTERBACK CLUB - 4-H and athletics - being active in both.

QUIET AND LOUD - identify agriculture and fisheries commodities in Louisiana by sounds.

QUILT - fundraiser to sell chances on a quilt done in the "4-H quilt" pattern.

R

R & R - leader recognition and relaxation.

RECYCLE ART CONTEST - only recyclable items can be used in this creative activity; you'll be
surprised at the genuine works of art.

RECYCLE RTW - program on how to embellish ready-to-wear clothes for a different look.

RECYCLING PROJECT - start a recycle center at your local school or in your neighborhood.

RESUMES AND MORE - senior 4-H program on resume' writing, identifying job skills, and
completing a job application.

S

SCHOOL SAFETY GUARDS - members monitor students as they get on and off school buses.

SECRET PALS - members adopt a secret pal (4-H member or teacher) and surprise their pal with
special messages, birthday cards, or small gifts.

SENIOR CITIZENS' LUNCHEON - members prepare a nutritious meal and invite local needy
senior citizens; contact your local Council on Aging.

SPRING PLANTING - beautification project for school or community.

SUMMER SAFETY PROGRAM - educational program on summer safety tips.

T

TAKE A CHANCE ON - sell chances on any donated items for an easy fundraiser.

TIP-TOP - parish award for outstanding 4-H members.

TOY DRIVE - collect old toys and allow 4-H members to clean and recondition them; donate to
local charitable organizations for distribution to needy families.

TRASH BASH - conduct a monthly trash bash/clean-up on school grounds.

T-RIFFIC TREE ID - activity to identify and learn about native Louisiana trees.

U

U-B-1-2 - membership drive for 4-H.

U-GOT THE LOOK - good grooming workshop.

UNDERSTANDING GOVERNMENT - invite local government officials for a panel discussion and
to explore how your local government works.

UP, UNDER, AND UPSIDE DOWN - icebreaker activity in which 4-H members hunt for the
unusual at a club meeting.

URBAN 4-H PROJECTS - exploring 4-H projects for " city kids. "

V

VEGETABLE VIBES - selection, nutrition, and storing of fresh vegetables.

VETERAN'S DAY - members conduct a special ceremony to honor veterans; members invite
veterans they know to be honored at the ceremony.

VETS AND PETS - clinic on how to take care of your pet (grooming, feeding, exercising, etc.);
invite local veterinarians to conduct clinics on different types of pets.

VIDEO LIBRARY - establish a video library on 4-H projects and activities.

VOICE YOUR OPINION - writing letters to government officials.

W

WARDROBE WONDERS - wardrobe planning and inventory; coordinating accessories.

WINTER FESTIVAL - sponsor a winter festival of fun indoor activities.

WISE TO ENERGIZE - energy conservation tips and practices.

WOMEN'S SHELTER - donate grooming articles to local shelter for abused women.

WREATH CONTEST - sponsor a wreath decorating contest among 4-H members; members use
horticultural materials and/or recyclable items to decorate wreaths; wreaths are donated to
local senior citizen centers or nursing homes.

X

X-AMPLE DAY - members bring an example of a completed 4-H project or activity to a 4-H
meeting.

X-CELLENT CLUB MEETING AWARD - recognize club officers or entire club for outstanding club
meeting.

X MARKS THE SPOT - supply clues for a 4-H treasure hunt or scavenger hunt.

X-PLORING - target a specific topic or 4-H project area to investigate and explore throughout
the month.

X-TRA! X-TRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! - establish a 4-H news column or newspaper at your local
school.

Y

Y IT'S YOU - self esteem program to identify positive skills and qualities.

YARD-SCAPING - beautification projects for the home and school.

YOU BE THE JUDGE - 4-H judging contests for project areas (plant science, horticulture,
livestock, poultry, meat identification).

YOUNG EXPLORERS - introduction to 4-H to third grade students.

YOUTH QUAKE - 4-H Rally Day!

Z

ZERO HOUR - final preparations for 4-H Achievement Day.

ZIP-ZAP-ZING! - workshop/clinic on the importance of beginning, following through, and
completing a 4-H project.

ZONE 4-H - 4-H corner in classroom or school library.

ZOO MOBILE - petting zoo of farm animals and pets.

ZOOM & ZANY - be creative and let your imagination and club needs be your guide in developing
other 4-H program ideas!