4-H Youth Development

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering millions of young people across the U.S. with new skills and learning experiences. 4‑H serves youth through a network of caring adult volunteers, hands-on projects and programs, and meaningful leadership opportunities. Young people experience 4‑H through 4-H clubs, in-school and after-school 4-H programs, 4‑H camps, and more.

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.

The San Luis Valley Area includes Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties. If you live in one of these counties, we can help you join 4-H. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Explore local 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 may also meet individually.
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.

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.

Membership costs $30 per year. Families with three or more youth enrolled pay a discounted family rate of $50 per family. The annual 4-H enrollment fees include a State 4-H fee, insurance, and project curriculum. There may also be additional project-related costs to participate.