4-H is the largest youth organization in the nation, open to youth 3rd - 12th grades and administered by OSU Extension. Through 4-H, youth learn valuable life skills that enable them to grow into productive citizens. Through hands-on learning opportunities in many different areas of interest, youth develop critical thinking skills, gain self-confidence, set and achieve goals, and learn responsibility. Cloverbuds, a program for K-2, is also available to introduce younger members to fun, age-appropriate activities that build social skills, curiosity, and a love of learning.

The mission of the 4-H Youth Development Program is to provide Oklahoma youth, families, and communities with educational programs which will create environments for diverse audiences of youth and adults to reach their fullest potential by developing and enhancing skills for living.

I pledge...
my head to clearer thinking,
my heart to greater loyalty,
my hands to larger service, and
my health to better living for
my club, my community,
my country, and my world.

"To Make the Best Better"

We have many clubs in Oklahoma County and you will find that we have a club that will meet the needs of your family. 4-H offers many opportunities for youth and families to learn new things, make new friends, participate in leadership roles, and community service. Our programs encourage family involvement through club participation, taking the leadership for a club educational program, or providing snacks. The cost of enrollment is $20 per child, not to exceed $60 per family. Please contact the County Extension Office to find clubs in your community!

• Cloverbuds (Ages 5-7)
  Cloverbuds is a fun, introductory 4-H program designed for youth in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Through hands-on, age-appropriate activities, participants explore new interests while building social skills, creativity, and confidence in a non-competitive environment. Cloverbuds focus on learning by doing and developing a positive attitude toward teamwork and participation.
  
• Juniors (Grades ~3–5)
  Junior members begin their 4-H journey by exploring projects that match their interests. Youth in this age group develop basic skills, learn responsibility, and gain confidence as they participate in meetings, activities, and events. Juniors are encouraged to try new things, set simple goals, and build friendships within their club.
  
• Intermediates (Grades ~6–8)
  Intermediate members expand their knowledge and skills through more in-depth project work and leadership opportunities. Youth at this level take on greater responsibility, practice decision-making, and may begin mentoring younger members. They are encouraged to develop independence, explore career interests, and become more active in county and state events.
  
• Seniors (Grades ~9–12)
  Senior members focus on advanced project work, leadership, and community involvement. Youth in this group take on significant leadership roles within their clubs and communities, serve as mentors, and may participate in state and national 4-H opportunities. Seniors develop valuable life and career skills, preparing them for success beyond high school.

The CLOVER Leadership Program is Oklahoma County 4-H’s ambassador program for youth in grades 6–12 who are ready to take on advanced leadership roles and represent 4-H in their communities. CLOVER stands for Community Leaders Organized for Volunteerism, Engagement, and Representation.

CLOVER members, alongside County Council Officers, serve as the face of the 4-H program by promoting and supporting events, and engaging with community members, donors, and local leaders. Participants are selected in June through an application process that highlights their leadership experience, communication skills, and commitment to 4-H.

As part of the program, CLOVERs:

• Develop strong public speaking and communication skills 
• Assist with county events and programs
• Serve as mentors and role models for younger 4-H members
• Build relationships with community partners and stakeholders
• Participate in trainings, meetings, and a leadership retreat
  

CLOVER members are expected to demonstrate responsibility, teamwork, and a strong commitment to representing 4-H with professionalism and integrity while making a positive impact in their community.

Cloverbud Record Book

4-H offers a variety of projects to spark the interests of all children. Most 4-H'ers are involved with multiple projects at a time. Here are a few popular project areas in Oklahoma:

• STEM
• Leadership
• Civic Engagement
• Ag-Driven Projects
  

Our 4-H Year starts on August 1st and end on July 31st every year.

4-H Handbooks are available to actively enrolled families on August 1 each year. Please visit the Extension Office to receive your copy.

Sign up for our 4-H Newsletter

• State Record Books due April 1.
  
• County Record Books due June 1 (If you submitted a State Record Book, you are automatically eligible for County Awards).
• County Award Interviews: June 10, 2026
• Record Book report form
• 4-H Awards Criteria
• Junior and Senior age categories are set by the State 4-H Program and can be found on Oklahoma 4-H.
  
• Award changes, such as number of winners and awards offered, may change at the educators' discretion and/or based on program year participation.
  

• OSU Record Book and Scholarship Page
• 4-H Story Suggestions
• Photo Page Example

To maintain your status as an "active" certified volunteer in the Oklahoma 4-H program a volunteer is required to:

• • Annually complete an online Enrollment, Behavior Guidelines, and Agreement form on 4-H Zsuite
  • Participate in Working with Minors, Title VII & Title IX trainings held online or in-person.
  • Participate in four continuing education/Parent Volunteer trainings each year.
    • Two of these trainings must be at the county level held at the Oklahoma County Extension Office or Our Online training units.
    • The other two training may come from multiple locations and subject matters.
    • The volunteer is responsible for providing documentation of outside the county trainings to the Extension Office.

The qualifications include:

1. At least five youth members from two or more families.
2. Certified volunteer(s) who care about working with members, teen leaders and parents.
3. Maintain a necessary/appropriate adult to youth ratio. (1:8 in most cases)
4. A structure that gives members the shared responsibility for making decisions and operating the club.
5. An organized, fun and educational program planned by members, volunteers and parents.
6. Six or more club meetings during the year.
7. Participation in learning experiences outside of the local group.
8. Involvement in the community through service-learning.
9. Personal evaluation and recognition of progress on individual and group/club goals.
10. Effective blend of all five components of the 4-H Recognition Model.

The process for creating a new club begins by submitting a Club Charter Application to your county OSU Extension office. A group requesting a charter must the agree upon the following:

• The use of the 4-H name and emblem is granted on the basis that membership in the 4-H group named above of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• The 4‑H club/group is the local learning group in which 4‑H members are involved. Club activities are critical to 4‑H as they advocate both leadership and cooperation among club members.
• View more information about starting a new club.

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