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.

1. What club will your family enroll in? You will need to choose one of the available Grand County 4-H clubs. Feel free to call any of the leaders on the list to discuss meeting times, locations, club requirements, etc. All projects are available in all clubs, so only select one club for your family.
2. What project(s) is your child interested in? Select from the 4-H projects list. However, if your child has an interest in a topic not on the list, just ask us! 4-H members can take as many projects as they’d like, but it’s a good idea to ease into it the first year. We recommend new members select 1-2 projects their first year. If your child decides to add or drop a project the deadline to do so is April 1st.
3. Are you able to commit to the completion requirements? Members must complete both county and club requirements. County requirements are as follows:
   • Attend six club meetings
   • Perform at least one demonstration
   • Exhibit each project (usually at the county fair)
   • Complete a record book on time for each project
   • Complete a community service project.

A 4-H club may have additional requirements, such as a fundraiser or attendance at another event, so it’s a good idea to ask the club leader what they require. Once you’ve decided these things, go ahead and get started with your registration. If you need help selecting a club or would like more information on projects, contact us.

If you’re interested in participating in the Grand County 4-H program, follow the steps below to learn more and to get enrolled.

1. Pick a 4-H club
   • Grand County 4-H Clubs
   • Make contact with the clubs 4-H Leader and attend a club meeting as soon as possible.
2. Select 4-H Project(s)
   • Grand County 4-H Projects
   • We recommend that new members select only 1-2 projects their first year. It is important not to take on too much at once! Members can add more projects the following years.
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 are paid at your local Extension Office with cash, check, or card.
5. Meet with the Extension Office
   • All first year members are required to have a meeting with the Extension Office. Please call to schedule with Tonja Macklberg.
6. Get involved!
   • Attend your local club meetings as members must attend six within the
     4-H year.
   • Start working on your projects and record books. It is best to start as early as possible so that you discover the fun that is 4-H!

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

Visit the 4-H Online site

• If you’re logging in, use the Sign In button at the top of the page and use your login information
• If you’re signing up, use the Sign Up button and follow the prompted steps

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 information on available clubs, visit the Grand County 4-H Clubs page.

• Open Enrollment: Oct 1 – Dec 31 | Fees are $50 members, $40 Cloverbuds
• Late Enrollment: Jan 1 – Jan 31 | Fees are $75 members, $60 Cloverbuds
• If you enroll on/after Feb 1, regular enrollment fees applied and member will be enrolled for the following 4-H year.
• Pay fees by check or cash at the Extension Office at 210 S 11th Street, Kremmling (Fairgrounds). If paying by check make payable to Grand County CSU Extension. If mailing, please send to: PO Box 475, Kremmling, CO 80459.
• Pay by credit card at the CSU eStore link for Grand County CSU Extension. Please note that a 2% credit card fee has been added to the total enrollment fee on this website to cover those fees incurred to our program. If you want a no fee option, please pay by cash or check at our office (or mail).
• Some projects have additional program fees associated and due later in the year such as Leathercraft and the Shooting Sports disciplines. Fees TBD and members notified as soon as possible.

Yes, Grand County offers City Market or King Soopers community rewards for 4-H families. To learn more on how to sign up, view the resources below: