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4-H Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How old does my child have to be to join 4-H?
    • Five (5) years old by December 31st of the current program year (July-June).
  2. What do the “H”s stand for in 4-H?
    • Head, Heart, Hands and Health
  3. What is the value of 4-H to a youth?
    • 4-H helps to enable all youth to reach their fullest potential by developing their leadership, citizenship and life skills.
  4. Do 4-H members deal only with the raising of livestock and/or farm animals?
    • No! There are hundreds of projects 4-H Members work with… including photography, crafts, cooking, skateboarding, camping, etc. For a complete list call your 4-H office or go on your County's Clubs & Projects page.
  5. How often are the Community Club meetings?
    • These meetings are held once a month but at the discretion of the leaders. Members who attend all of their Community Club meetings in person will receive a 100% Attendance Pin.
  6. Are there any requirements for 4-H members to show at their local county fairs?
  7. When can my child join 4-H?
    • Open enrollment starts July 1st.
  8. Once my child joins a 4-H club in our community, can they change they mind and transfer to another club?
    • Yes, after the enrollment deadline, members changing clubs must notify in writing the leaders of both the club they are leaving and the club they are planning to join, and also the UCCE office within 30 days of the transfer.
  9. What are Countywide Projects?
    • Countywide projects are similar to other projects, but are open to any member in the county, no matter what 4-H club they are enrolled in.
  10. Where can I go to find more information regarding 4-H?
  11. How do I know what club to join?
    • Choose a club that's location and meeting times are convenient for you. Information regarding Community Clubs can be obtained by calling your local 4-H office. The staff will take your contact information and then have the leader of the club of your choice contact you with more information.
  12. Is there a handout that can be sent to me regarding 4-H?
  13. What is a 4-H County Ambassador?
    • County Ambassadors are members of the County Ambassador Program, which is a leadership development opportunity for older youth. County Ambassadors are the champions of the 4-H program in their county while they are developing their leadership skills. County Ambassador teams plan their own year of activities to create meaningful learning and service opportunities for themselves and others in their communities. Being chosen as a County Ambassador is a working honor and in fulfilling it, members are expected to behave with a degree of maturity, composure and excellence. For more information visit the County Ambassador page of the UC 4-H Youth Development Program website.
  14. What are Junior/Teen Leaders?
    • Members 11-13 years old may be a Junior Leader and members 14 years old or older may be Teen Leaders. These members may lead a project under the supervision of an adult leader. For more detailed information go to the Junior and Teen Leader page of the UC 4-H Youth Development Program website.
  15. Do 4-H members have to wear a uniform to meetings or when competing at the fair?
    • There is no uniform requirement in the 4-H program, and the uniform cannot be required for participation in any 4-H sponsored activity, event, meeting or occasion. However, all California fairs and expositions require exhibitors that are 4-H members to wear their 4-H uniforms for identification purposes.   
  16. What are the requirements to become a 4-H Leader or Volunteer?
    • All potential 4-H leaders and/or volunteers must be fingerprinted, and be cleared in a background check prior to appointment, complete an orientation, submit an application and agree to the Volunteer Code of Conduct. Volunteers are appointed agents of the University of California to carry out their duties as educators under the policies set forth at the national, state, and county levels. Check the New Adult Volunteer Enrollment webpage for more information.
  17. How many projects can a member participate in?
    • There are no limits to the projects a member may participate in. To encourage success for first year members it is recommended that they consult their club leaders regarding the number of projects they plan to take.