4-H Youth Development

The 4-H program empowers young people to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. In a 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.

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 Fremont 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 at your local Extension office.

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 a group of youth with similar interests. Groups meet to learn a new skill in a 4-H project area and have fun. They can be neighbors, friends and family members. The club determines when, where and how often they will meet and what projects they will work on.

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 4-H clubs in Fremont County.

The enrollment fee in Fremont County is $40.00, payable to the Extension
Office. When you enroll, you will also want to purchase project books.
Additional fees may apply as determined by project.

• David Boughan Memorial Scholarship
  • The David Boughan Memorial 4-H Scholarship will be given in honor of David Boughan, a former 4-H member.
  • This scholarship, in the amount of $350.00, is offered to a graduating senior
    active in the Fremont County 4-H program. Funds may be used at any accredited institution of higher learning. The scholarship may be used for tuition and/or other educational expenses.
• Fremont County Cattlewomen Memorial Scholarship
  • The Fremont County Cattlewomen Memorial Scholarship(s) provides
    financial assistance to a Fremont County boy or girl who comes from an agricultural background such as family farming and ranching experiences in 4-H, FFA, community gardens etc. Students should be planning to attend an accredited university, college or trade school. Award amount is $1000.00
• Colorado 4-H Foundation Scholarship
  • As part of the Office of Engagement & Extension, Colorado 4-H awards scholarships annually to outstanding youth who have actively engaged in Colorado 4-H clubs for at least 3 years. The scholarship process is competitive and open from October – March.
  • Scholarship recipients will be announced by early May. There are opportunities available for a variety of students, including for those attending CSU or other universities, trade school, junior colleges, transfer students, and continuing students
• Jonathan Marr Scholarship
  • One $500.00 scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior 4-H Member who has been enrolled in Shooting Sports for a minimum of four years. This scholarship is intended to assist individuals entering a postsecondary vocational or technical field, such as welding, carpentry, mechanics, etc. Applicants will need to submit three letters of recommendation. One from their Extension 4-H Agent, one from their County 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator or Coach and one from a non-relative adult. Each applicant will also need to provide an essay on what they have done in 4-H, what they have learned or gained from being involved in 4-H, why they are applying and what they plan to do in the future. A committee comprised of 4-H shooting sport instructors and Marr family members will determine the recipient. Please send all required materials listed above to Margaret Marr at 7108 Highway 34, Yuma, Colorado 80759. All required materials are due no later than April 1, 2026.
• Deloris Comstock Scholarship
  • Deloris Comstock has been a staple in the Fremont County Community as an educator, a 4-H Club leader, and as a Fremont County Fair Board Member. Deloris began her 4-H journey in 1958 when her dad Ralph Taylor started the Four Mile 4-H Club. In 1964, Deloris took over her club where she has remained a leader since. Deloris was honored by Fremont County 4-H in 2023 with the Coveted 60-year pin and was selected as a state winner of the Salute to 4-H Award. Deloris has supported countless kids through their 4-H careers establishing a tradition in not only her family but other families as well. She has touched so many lives in the Fremont County Community and will continue to do so as we present these scholarships in her honor. Scholarships in the amount of $500.00 will be awarded to multiple applicants based on funds available each year. Funds may be used at any accredited institution of higher learning. The scholarship may be used for tuition and/or other educational expenses. Applicants will complete the application and will be interviewed by a committee of three Fremont County Fair Board members. Interviews will typically take place before the April Fair Board meeting on the second Tuesday of the month.

For more information on 4-H scholarships, visit the Colorado 4-H website.