Delivery Modes When most people think about 4-H, they think of 4-H clubs. Although 4-H clubs are the most commonly known, there are six other ways 4-H reaches youth. Each "delivery mode" serves a different purpose but all are equally important. 4-H staff also use these as categories to report participation in 4-H to government agencies at local, state, and federal levels. Delivery modes differ in regard to duration and intensity but all involve learning by doing. Although curricula may vary for each delivery mode, educational materials that are suitable for multiple delivery modes are a more efficient use of limited resources. In New Jersey, educational programs represented by the following delivery modes are offered to youth, grades K-13 (one year out of high school). Membership in 4-H clubs is open to youth, grades 1-13. Here is a definition of each delivery mode: Organized 4-H Clubs Members of an organized group of youth, led by an adult, with a planned program that is carried on throughout all or most of the year. 4-H clubs may meet in any location and typically have elected officers and a set of rules approved by the membership to govern the club. Standard 4-H clubs involve youth in grades 4-13 and focus on in-depth learning of one or more projects. 4-H Prep clubs provide youth, grades 1-3, with an introduction to 4-H in a non-competitive environment. 4-H clubs might meet in the community, in schools during school hours, as well as in school age child care settings after school. Refer to the N.J. 4-H Honor Club RCE information sheet, available from the county 4-H office, to learn details of what an ideal 4-H club is expected to do. Special Interest/Short Term Programs/Day Camps Groups of youth meeting for a specific learning experience for one or more sessions, which involves direct teaching by Extension staff or trained volunteers, including teachers. Such a program is not part of school curriculum and cannot be restricted to members of 4-H clubs. This delivery mode does not usually continue for as long as a 4-H club. Examples might be a three-week babysitting course or a weekend-long state 4-H teen conference if they are open to the public. Overnight Camping Programs Youth taking part in an Extension planned educational experience of group living in the out-of-doors which includes being away from home at least one night (resident, primitive or travel camping). This experience cannot be restricted to members of organized 4-H Clubs. Most 4-H summer camps fit this description if youth from the public are equally welcome to attend as 4-H club members. School Enrichment Programs Groups of youth receiving a sequence of learning experiences in cooperation with school officials during school hours, to support the school curriculum. Involves direct teaching by Extension staff or trained volunteers, including teachers. An example might be a volunteer visiting a school to present a special program on science to youth during classroom hours and promoting 4-H while doing so. Individual Study/Mentoring/Family Learning Programs Planned learning, which occurs independent of a formal group setting such as a club, is an individual, paired, or family learning effort. The leaning is self-directed, with limited adult involvement except for parents (or mentor). Examples include self-study, home study courses, mentoring or shadowing with an "expert," and whole families learning together. School-Aged Child Care Education Programs Educational programs offered to youth outside of school hours, usually in a school or other community center and incorporating 4-H curricula. The primary purpose is to provide care for youth while parents are working or unavailable. (Youth who are members of 4-H clubs in school age child care settings are considered members of "organized 4-H clubs.") 4-H Afterschool...Extraordinary Learning Opportunities - check out how New Jersey 4-H is involved in working toward improving the quality of existing Afterschool programs. Instructional TV/Video Programs Youth offered learning experiences through Extension via broadcast or closed circuit television, including satellite transmission, or videotape replays of such series.

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