What Is 4-H?

4-H is an organization that promotes hands-on learning and is based on parent and volunteer participation. 4-H welcomes all youth (and adult volunteers) from all backgrounds in all locales (rural and urban). A 4-H Club is run by youth with the help of one or more adult volunteers. The Club usually has one meeting a month and is run by elected club officers.

Each Club offers one or more projects. Projects are the heart of 4-H's hands-on learning. Each project focuses on a topic -- anything from art to zoology -- including cows, bugs, cooking, skateboarding, camping, photography, candy, and rocket science. There are thousands of different projects. Your imagination is the only limit. Projects are lead by older youth and/or adult volunteers and generally meet one or more times a month.

What Will I Do in 4-H?

4-H members choose projects that interest them. You attend meetings, participate in new learning experiences, and may be involved in making presentations and community services projects. You may also want to participate in 4-H camps, the county fair, or take a trip to other states and countries.

How do I Join 4-H?

Enroll online or go to the your local Cooperative Extension office.

How Old Do I Have to Be to Join 4-H?

The 4-H Program is open to youth currently enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Primary Members are from 5 years through 8 years old. (Child must be 5 as of December 31st of the program year.) Regular members are aged from 9 through 19. (Youth remain eligible for membership until December 31st of the year in which they turn 19 years old.)

I Don't Live on a Ranch. Can I Join 4-H?

If you live in a town or city, you can participate in 4-H activities with pets and small animals, drama, food and nutrition, mini gardens, photography, woodworking, robotics, leadership, and more!

4-H Motto:

"To Make The Best Better"

The 4-H Pledge

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.