What IS 4-H?

By combining club project activities with opportunities to publicly show their work, travel to 4-H events, and help others though community service activities, 4-H provides a framework on which young people can build self-confidence, responsibility, and generosity. Studies confirm it. 4-H members are likely to excel in school, lead their peers and give to their communities.

Becoming a member in 4-H can take you places you have never been before! If you are between 5 and 19 years of age you can become a 4-H member.

As a member, you can:

• Choose from hundreds of 4-H projects such as: animals, clothing, plants, food, community service, nature, science, woodworking, and many, many more!
• Be an officer in your club, such as president, secretary or treasurer
• Show projects and animals at the Youth Fair and at the State Fair
• Give public presentations at County Presentation Day, at the Youth Fair and at the State Fair
• Participate in state-wide events and trips

Younger children can still join 4-H as Cloverbuds. 

Cloverbuds:

• Are youth between 5 and 8 years old
• Can join in on the same fun as the older kids
• Make new friends and have fun learning
• Can give a public presentation and earn a special trip to a fun place
• Can show projects at the Youth Fair with participation ribbons for all
• Can become regular members when they reach third grade

What will I do in 4-H?

4-H members choose projects that interest them. Members attend regular meetings, are involved in public speaking and community service activities, and may serve as a club officer. They may also want to participate in county events such as Spirit Day or the Madison County 4-H Youth Fair.

How much does it cost to join 4-H?

Joining 4-H clubs costs very little. Individual clubs may charge dues to cover expenses, and some project areas, such as photography and livestock, may require a small investment for supplies and equipment. Clubs get involved in annual county-wide fundraisers that help raise money for their clubs.

When I join 4-H, do my parents have to become leaders?

Parents don't have to become 4-H leaders when you join 4-H, but most leaders appreciate the assistance of parents or other adults. This help can range from being a project leader, to driving members to activities, to supplying refreshments for a meeting.

- Print a membership enrollment form

Becoming a volunteer:

If you enjoy working with youth and would like to help them reach their full potential as capable, competent and caring citizens, become a 4-H volunteer! There are many ways to get involved: serve as a club leader, teach a project, organize special activities, serve on a committee and more. Whatever your talents or interests, there is a volunteer role for you.

4-H volunteers receive excellent training, guidance and ongoing supervision appropriate to the specific roles they assume.

- Print a volunteer leader application form