4-H Youth Development and Outreach

4-H is a youth development program for kids ages 5 to 18 that empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

4-H members participate in local 4-H clubs, 4-H school programs or 4-H outreach programs where they learn new skills, make new friends and have fun. Within community clubs, youth attend meetings, complete projects, practice public speaking and do community service.

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.

Research shows that young people who participate in 4-H clubs:

• Do better in school
• Are more motivated to help others
• Develop skills in leadership, public speaking, self-esteem, communication and planning
• Make lasting friendships

Through real-life situations, 4-H helps youth develop life skills such as: communication, citizenship, decision-making, leadership, interpersonal relations and community and global awareness. Youth learn these practical skills through hundreds of projects like cooking, wildlife, livestock, model rocketry, sewing, archery and shooting sports, art, photography, computers, leathercraft, outdoor adventure and many more.

1. Browse available 4-H clubs and speak with your local Extension staff to find out about your local club meetings and their project focus areas.
2. Explore local projects to determine which projects your family wants to participate in. We recommend that new members select between 1 and 3 projects. If you have questions about a project, contact your local Extension Office for more information.
3. Create an online 4-H profile. Once registered, your new 4-H club will provide additional information about meetings and other opportunities.
4. Pay your enrollment fees. 4-H members pay $20 per year to participate in 4-H. This helps cover administrative costs and pays for your project manuals. Enrollment fees can be paid in person (cash, check or card) at the Morgan County Extension Office.
5. Attend your local club meetings, start working on projects, and begin discovering the fun that is 4-H!

Questions? Visit the 4-H enrollment and materials page for more information and resources on 4-H enrollment.

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.

4-H community clubs serve as a home base for youth in 4-H. In their monthly meetings, youth make new friends, plan community service activities, have business meetings, and learn leadership skills. Club leaders are trusted adult volunteers who support youth in learning life skills and building a sense of belonging in the community. 4-H clubs 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 4-H enrollment fee is $20 per child. Shooting Sports members pay an additional $10 annual fee. Families will spend some money for project supplies. Enrollment scholarships are available for families in need. Contact the office for details.