4-H Youth Development

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime. 4-H reaches over 110,000 youth in Colorado annually, helping them to become confident, independent, resilient and compassionate leaders. Youth can get involved in 4-H through clubs, in-school and after-school programs, or summer programming. 

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 Broomfield County, 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 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. Depending on which program you choose, fees can be paid online through Boulder County or Adams County, or at the respective Extension office with cash, check, or card.
   • Boulder County location
   • Adams County location

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 club is one of several 4-H positive youth development programs. Clubs help youth complete their 4-H project requirements and participate in other learning opportunities. Organized 4-H clubs include community clubs, in-school clubs, after-school clubs, and military clubs. Other 4-H programs include school enrichment programs, after-school programs, special interest/short-term programs, and camping programs. Enrollment, registration, and participation requirements vary by program. 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)
  • Note: Cloverbuds are 5-7 years old as of 12/31 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.
• Complete any additional county level requirements.

For more information, see 4-H Clubs.

Enrollment fees for 4‑H vary depending on the county in which you register. For Broomfield participants, fees are paid through the county where you enroll (Adams County or Boulder County), and payment details will be provided through those respective offices or registration systems.

Adams County enrollment fees:

• 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.

For more information visit the Adams County 4-H page.

Boulder County enrollment fees:

• Cloverbud Enrollment: $40
• 4-H Member Enrollment: $40 (plus manuals)
  • Shooting Sports: additional $40 (if enrolled)
  • Dog: additional $40 (if enrolled)
  • Horse: additional $100 (new this year)
• Second Club: no extra fee
• Family maximum for enrollment fee: $120
• Family maximum for project fees: three times the project fee
  • Dog: $120 max per family
  • Horse: $300 max per family
  • Shooting Sports: $120 max per family
• Leaders: No charge

For more information visit the Boulder County 4-H page.