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ABOUT EVENTS News PROGRAMS & SERVICES FACT SHEETS TOPICS COUNTY OFFICES
ABOUT EVENTS News PROGRAMS & SERVICES FACT SHEETS TOPICS COUNTY OFFICES
Ferguson College of AgAg Research
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About 4-H

  • What is 4-H?

    A 4-H club is a group of young people and adults who meet regularly for fun and learning. Clubs are usually made up of families from a community and often formed around schools, churches or community centers. Most clubs hold monthly meetings attended by members and their parents. Club members elect officers who lead the group and the meetings. An adult club leader advises the officers. The meetings usually last less than two hours. The time is equally divided among club business, recreation and educational programs. A well-organized 4-H club meeting provides opportunities for every member to be involved. 

  • What is the primary objective of 4-H?

    The basic philosophy in 4-H is to strengthen the mental, physical, moral, and social development of boys and girls, therefore helping develop more desirable citizens and leaders. The main objective is the development of boys and girls through participation in projects, events, and various activities.

  • Is there a cost to join 4-H?
    There is a $20 fee to enroll in 4-H, with a $60 maximum per family. Clubs may have a supply fee for projects and activities. You are expected to pay for the cost of your project whether it's building a lamp, baking bread or raising an animal. Many events do not have fees; however, there are charges for camps, conferences, workshops or seminars and similar programs. 4-H members participate in fun raising activities to provide support for their projects.
  • When does the 4-H year start and end?
    A new 4-H year starts September 1 and ends August 31 of the following year.
  • What is the age of membership?
    Youth may be enrolled in 4-H beginning on August 1 if they are 8 AND in the 3rd grade on September 1.  If they turn 8 after September 1 and are in 3rd grade, they will not be eligible to enroll as a 4-H member until the next 4-H year, but they may participate as a Cloverbud. 4-H membership ends on July 31 following the completion of the 12th grade, equivalence of the 12th grade, GED or having reached the age of 19 on or before September 1.

 

Projects

Other than age, the only requirement for 4-H membership is that the 4-H’er enrolls in at least one project.  There are nearly 50 project areas to choose from.  Members are expected to complete the projects in which they enroll.

 

Leaders

Adults serve as two types of 4-H leaders:  project (subject matter teachers) and community (organization leaders).  Helping youth grow through their 4-H opportunities can be a very rewarding experience for adult volunteers.

 

Resources

 

Newsletters 2024

 

Fair Books, Record Book Forms, Award Forms and Other Applications

 

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