The National 4-H Headquarters, at USDA, has established formal partnerships with Air Force Services Family Member Programs, Army Child and Youth Services and Navy Child and Youth Programs to support positive youth development education for youth whose parents are serving in the military. These 4-H Military Partnerships bring the resources of the Land Grant University - youth development professionals, research based curricula, and high quality training and technical assistance -- to the youth programs of the military.

National 4-H Headquarters relies upon the Land Grant University Extension System across the country to build strong partnerships with Army, Air Force, Navy, National Guard and Reserve to provide technical assistance and training for military staff and establish 4-H Clubs for Military youth living on and off post as well as those whose parents are serving in the National Guard and Reserve. As military families move frequently and experience the difficulties surrounding lengthy and frequent deployments, 4-H provides predictable programming and a safe and nurturing environment for military kids.

4-H is one of the oldest and most effective programs of non-formal education for youth.  The 4-H classroom is a world of real hands-on projects and demonstrations, leadership development, and personal economics.  4-H teaches pride in workmanship and accomplishments, personal interaction with peers, and respect for the environment.

4-H assists young people in developing life skills and informing attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.  4-H strives to help young people "make the best better" through programs that emphasize learning by doing. 

4-H teaches youth important life skills such as leadership, decision-making, and personal-coping skills and helps them acquire and use knowledge.

Both SAC programs offer leadership Clubs as well as a variety or special interest and Project Clubs. Youth of all ages can get involved in our 4-H Community Club and the preteen s have their own leadership and service chartered club, BGCA Torch Club.  

Our core curriculum areas are: Character & Leadership, Education & Career, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, Sports, Fitness & Recreation, and Technology. 

Character & Leadership - Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process is the main thrust of these programs.  They also help develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to community and celebrating our national heritage.

Education & Career Development - After-school homework labs, one-on-one tutoring, computer learning and technology center, and academic enrichment activities that include geography, biology, math, English and world culture, among a host of others, provide young people with a the tools and with a structured and consistent environment that is supportive and conducive to achieving their academic and career goals. 

Health & Life Skills - Helping develop young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being, set personal goals and live successfully, as self-sufficient adults.  Health and Life skills is learning things that you will keep with you, for life. 

Health: Mind, Body, Soul

Mind - develops a knowledge base for young people to acquire healthy habits, such as making smart food choices, understanding appropriate portion sizes and creating fun and balanced meals

Body - Promotes young people becoming more physically active through fun daily fitness, including activities to get kids active and moving

Soul - Strengthens interpersonal skills, positive behavior and good character through social recreation programs and activities

Life Skills - think of things you have learned throughout your life that you will carry over and be important in everyday living- some of the below list has been taught while others have been learned through direct experience

There are additional Life Skills that we want to support.  These are skills that you may have learned throughout your life, but not skills that you would be considered an expert. 

The Arts- Creative opportunities, experiences, and expression.  Remember children need open-ended artistic experiences where there is no “right” or wrong way of creating something.  With this in mind try to stay away from “product” driven art projects and focus more on the process of creative expression. 

Sports, Fitness, & Recreation - help develop fitness, a positive use of leisure time, reduction of stress, appreciation for the environment and social and interpersonal skills.

Technology - is the application of science or knowledge to commerce and industry.  Technology and inventiveness are closely related. Based on a defined need, the invention of a solution to the problem generates technology. Technology is, simply, the application of knowledge to solve problems or invent useful tools.