Each 4-H club is unique
and therefore their club meetings will be also. There is, however, a basic
model for 4-H meetings that every group should adopt to effectively manage
their club time. This model categorizes the club meeting into three
fundamental components: The Business Meeting, The Program, and
Recreation/Refreshments. To ensure that the 4-H experience is both fun and
educational, meetings should include a healthy balance between all three.
Club meetings should last
between 1 to 1½ hours. The length of the meeting will be dependent upon the
age group of the 4-H club.
I.
The Business Meeting
A. 4-H
club members learn effective methods of conducting business using
parliamentary procedures.
B. 4-H
club members learn effective ways of making decisions and to observe how
their choices impact the group.
C. 4-H
club members develop the leadership skills involved in serving as an officer
or committee member.
II.
The Program (presentations and
special activities)
A. Club
Presentations-Club members, leaders, or parents may give club
presentations. Having a 4-H’er do a presentation for his or her 4-H club is
an effective way for them to develop self-confidence in speaking to groups.
B. Special
Programs-Resource people in the community that specialize in a project area
that the 4-H club is interested in learning about may present special
programs.
C. Project
Work-Club members may do project work together during the program time, if
appropriate.
D. Special
Activities-Clubs may use program time to work on community service projects
or other activities the group has identified in their goals.
III.
Recreation and Social
Time
A. Fellowship
– Clubs should set aside an informal time for members and leaders to get to
know each other. A “get acquainted” activity at the beginning of your
meeting is useful.
B. Recreation
– A variety of organized games may be included in the 4-H meeting to promote
bonding and camaraderie amongst members of the club.
C. Refreshments
– Assigning 4-H’ers to handle the arrangement for food and drinks gives
members an opportunity to serve as a hosts/hostesses. (optional)
D. Celebration
– Congratulatory events help members to feel good about what they have
done. A celebration could take place at the end of a meeting, at the
conclusion of a long-term activity or at the end of the year.
