4-H Youth Development

Adams County 4-H empowers young people to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. In the Adams County 4-H Club Program, young people get the opportunity to join a community, learn problem-solving and decision-making skills by exploring more than 60 hands-on projects, and have fun together. In the Adams County 4-H Enrichment & Outreach Program, youth in schools, libraries, recreation centers, and community centers are engaged in experiential learning through STEM and Health and Well-Being activities.

Youth who are 8-18 years old are welcome to join 4-H. A youth’s “4-H age” is determined by how old they are on December 31 of the current school year.

Youth who are 5-7 years old are eligible for the 4-H Cloverbuds program.

If you live in the Adams County area, we can help you join 4-H! Follow these steps to get started:

1. Explore projects and find what sparks your interest! Usually, we recommend that new 4-H members choose one project. Project work mostly takes place in the spring and summer.
2. Browse available 4-H clubs and talk with your local Extension staff about which 4-H club might be a good fit for your family. Clubs usually meet once a month during the school year. Smaller project groups host workshops and experiential learning opportunities throughout the year.
3. Create an online 4-H profile. Once registered, your new 4-H club will provide additional information about project materials, meetings, events, and other opportunities.
4. Pay annual 4-H enrollment fee. Fees can be paid online via Zeffy or at your local Extension office with cash, check, or card.
   • Looking for a reduced enrollment fee? Fill out the Reduced Enrollment Fee Application to see if you qualify.

Questions? Contact us for more information. Our staff is ready to help.

A 4‑H project is a structured, hands-on learning experience that a 4‑H member chooses to work on, in depth, over time, guided by caring adults and built around real‑world skills. In addition to the project itself, youth share what they’ve learned through demonstrations, exhibits, presentations, or community service. 4-H projects help young people gain knowledge, skills, and confidence by actively exploring a topic they care about. Key features of a 4‑H project include:

• Youth‑chosen: Members select topics that match their interests.
• Experiential: Youth learn through doing, practicing, and reflecting—not just listening.
• Goal‑oriented: Projects involve setting goals, keeping records, and working toward improvement.
• Skill‑building: Projects develop technical skills as well as life skills like responsibility, problem‑solving, leadership, and communication.
• Ongoing: Projects are typically worked on over several months or a year, with increasing levels of challenge.

For information on types of projects, see 4-H Projects and Programs.

A 4-H community club is made of 4-H adult volunteers, youth, and their families. Clubs in Adams County 4-H have between 10 and 70 members. Clubs are where youth work on their projects, connect with adults who may be experts in their projects, meet other kids, learn leadership skills and civic responsibility, and perform community service.

4-H clubs and groups are required to charter each 4-H year, which begins on October 1 and runs through September 30 of the following year. A 4-H community club member must:

• Be of the appropriate 4-H age (8-18 as of December 31 of the current 4-H year).
• Enroll in 4-H via 4-H Online.
• Enroll in at least one 4-H project per year.
• Sign a 4-H member Code of Conduct.
• Pay state and local 4-H fees.

Ready to get started? Explore Adams County 4-H Clubs.

Current Membership Rates (2025-26): 

• New Members: $40 
• Cloverbuds: $40 (enroll anytime with no late fee)
• Returning Members (age 8-18): $40 
  • Note: A $40 late fee applies after February 1.
• Leader (any type): Free
• Flat Rate Family: Families with five or more youth enrolled pay a discounted family rate of $125 per family.
  • Due date applies. Must have 5 or more members to qualify.
• Special Needs/Scholarships: Please submit an assistance application form or contact us with questions.

Please note:

• Enrollment includes supplemental insurance.
• Late fees may be collected for all enrollments turned in past the due date.
• Books, newsletter, and project materials are not included.

All Adams County 4-H members and leaders must register via 4hOnline.

Adams County 4-H is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on donations and volunteers as its means of providing these learning opportunities. Please consider joining us as we show youth how to succeed as they learn by doing. Your tax-deductible donation enables these activities, scholarships, competitions and awards to function throughout the year.

We sincerely thank you for your support!

Record book covers can be purchased on Shop 4-H.