4-H Youth Development

4-H is a non-formal, educational youth development program for kids age 5-18. Programs are open to all without discrimination. 4-H programing uses the experiential learning model. In 4-H youth learn by doing. In addition to it’s teaching style, 4-H is best identified by its green four-leaf clover with an H on each leaf. The four H’s on the emblem stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. All 4-H programs focus on active involvement and quality experiences which stimulate lifelong learning of values and skills.

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.

To enroll for 4-H in Dolores County, please go to 4-H Online and create an account. Be sure to pick Dolores County. For questions or more information, please contact the Extension Office to learn more.

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.

• The enrollment fee is $26.00 per child, which entitles you to enroll in 2 projects. Enrollment fee must be paid at the Extension Office.
• Enrollments are done via 4-H Online, but all members must pay $26.00, payable by cash/check to Dolores County Extension.
• To enroll in 4-H, you must be 8 years old by December 31 or in the third grade.
• The enrollment fee includes the cost of literature & limited insurance; additional costs can be applied individually per project for materials. Enrollment is not complete until submitted on 4-H Online, with payment turned into the Extension Office. If you need assistance with 4-H Online, contact us.