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.

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. Some clubs will also ask for a participation fee to cover annual program expenses.

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:

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

Subscribe to the State "Focus on Youth" Newsletter

County Awards and Record Books

• Due on June 20th, 2024 by 4:30 pm.

State Record Book Drafts

• Due on April 1st, 2024 by 4:30 pm.
  (If you turn in a State Record Book, you do not need to turn it in again for County Awards)

Awards Applications and Record Books are can be submitted electronically through email.

• Record Book Report Form
• 4-H Awards Criteria

• 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 4h.zsuite.org.
  • 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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