4-H Clubs of Nevada Records

4-H Clubs began informally in the early 1900's, usually with crop and canning contests sponsored by commercial or civic groups. Most early clubs were short-lived due to lack of leadership and direction. The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established funding for Cooperative Extension work nationwide, encouraging university outreach and practical education. Extension agents were appointed to each county and began to formalize their youth services programs. Nevada's 4-H Club program functions as the youth services element of the University of Nevada's Cooperative Extension Service.

The goal of the 4-H Club program is to develop youth potential in order to make communities better places to live. Club members, with the assistance of extension agents, volunteer leaders, and parents, develop projects designed to increase their own personal skills and to contribute to society. 4-H members elect their officers, conduct their meetings, and plan their own programs. Early Nevada projects include gardening, canning, sewing, and rabbit and poultry production. In 1915, 830 boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14 were enrolled in 4-H; by 1968, 8700 members were enrolled in 580 clubs in Nevada, with girls outweighing boys in participation 2 to 1. Members must plan, document, and demonstrate projects in a variety of categories, such as agronomy, conservation, or home management. Project winners at the county level proceed to state and national competitions.

4-H Clubs began forming in Nevada about 1917 with the help of the University of Nevada's Cooperative Extension Service. Club members plan, document, and demonstrate projects relating to agriculture, home management, livestock production, and citizenship under the guidance of extension agents and volunteer leaders.

In 1938, 30 acres of land on the south shore of Lake Tahoe were purchased for an outdoor 4-H Camp, called the Nevada State 4-H Institute and Exhibit. Each county in Nevada contributed to the cost based on the number of 4-H members in the county. Camp activities include water safety, nature study, skits, contests, awards presentations, demonstrations, and workshops on topics ranging from apron construction to citizenship. The camp is also used for 4-H leadership conferences and retreats.

The 4-H Club remains active in Nevada today, with a wide range of projects and activities for participants to choose from, including horsemanship, photography, cooking, citizenship, heritage, and sewing, among others. One ongoing project involves Guide Dogs for the Blind, which consists of raising and helping to train guide dogs under the supervision of licensed instructors.