An idea took root around the turn of the 20th century among farm families, agricultural scientists, schoolteachers, administrators and concerned citizens.

Advocating that farm boys and girls learn practical and applied educational principles related to agriculture, these interested individuals organized out-of-school clubs to teach their youth about their dependence on nature's resources and the value of developing "hand, head, health and heart." These clubs laid the foundations of the 4-H movement.

In the early days, "corn clubs" for boys centered on corn-growing contests, offering practical and useful prizes to producers of the best yields. "Canning clubs" for girls focused on methods of preserving foods while allowing them to develop self-confidence and responsibility in their role as future homemakers.

As it celebrates its first 100 years, 4-H has developed into one of the largest youth organizations in the world. Clubs are found in all 50 states, six territories, Canada and more than 80 other countries around the world. Centered on the personal growth of each young member, it provides young people with the skills and understanding they need to become influential members of their communities.

"Our 4-H'ers learn by doing," says Joy Sparks, state coordinator for 4-H and youth development for UD's Cooperative Extension Service. "Their community service projects, the backbone of 4-H, provide active learning and interaction between youth and adults, encouraging members to set and accomplish goals. 4-H camps present quality, hands-on opportunities for learning everything from archery to zoology. Out-of-state trips to national conferences reward top 4-H'ers for the hard work and effort. Participants gain knowledge, information and ideas, then bring those attributes back to benefit their home community."

4-H'ers still learn traditional activities such as caring for farm animals, sewing and childcare. But, at the threshold of the new century, today's 4-H programs are designed for young people from many different places with many different needs, interests and experiences.

Rural 4-H'ers study how to care for livestock, crops and farm machinery. They also might discover marketing, global positioning systems, or using the internet to research project requirements.

Young people in cities and suburbs can take part in community 4-H clubs based in their block or neighborhood, exploring projects such as community development or urban gardening, while going online for electronic field trips. Contemporary 4-H'ers can even enroll in 4-H online.

4-H camps focus on such special interests as computers, karate, theatrical productions and target shooting safety. Other 4-H opportunities can be found in communications, leadership, career development, home improvement and computer technology. The knowledge acquired often leads to lifelong interests or even career choices.