Types of 4-H membership
4-H is open to any youth who is 7 18 years of age as of January 1st of the calendar year and open to 5 and 6 year old youth through our Explorers Program. There is no charge to become a member and interested youth should contact their Local Extension Center. They will either be referred to an existing club leader, provided information on independent membership or the possibility of starting a group in their area will be explored. Registration as a 4-H member is completed through an online enrollment system.
There are many ways a 4-H member can get involved, check out the tabs below to see how you can be involved
Club Projects
4-H Club Involvement: Do you surf the internet? Do you have a family pet you take care of? Would you like to learn more about gardening and the environment? What about making or building things with your hands? How about helping others. There is a club for nearly anyone interested in joining 4-H!
Anywhere from 5 to 25 or more youth members meet in organized 4-H groups led by trained adults and teen leaders. 4-H groups can meet in volunteer leader’s or member’s homes, community centers, school-aged child care centers and other public buildings.
Can't find the right club for you? Learn how to start a club with UConn 4-H
4-H Explorers Program
The 4-H Explorers Program is a unique membership category that is age appropriate for youth 5 and 6 years old (as of Jan. 1 of the program year). These programs require more adult supervision and the focus is on cooperative learning rather than competition. The Explorers programs follows a set of program guidelines based on developmental appropriateness.
4-H Explorers do not take on projects: Explorers programs are activity based and not project focused. As the name implies, 4-H Explorers engage in hands-on activities that introduce the entire scope of 4-H programs. They do not have one specific project area that covers a year of meetings. Explorers experience the broad spectrum of topics offered by 4-H. Leaders are trained in the policy, curriculum and developmental stages of 4-H Explorers. Contact your county 4-H office to see if there is an Explorers program near you.
School Involvement
Programs can be run during and after school. Child care centers and after school programs can run 4-H clubs as part of their program. Some activities include: Animals in the Classroom, Learn to Earn and environmental activities. Ask your teacher about including 4-H programs during and after school.
Independent Member Involvement
No clubs in your area? Do you have a special interest that you want to pursue? Does your schedule not “fit in” with others? Is transportation a problem?
As an independent member you can work on your project, at your own pace, with the help and guidance of a local Extension professional. And as an independent member you can participate in county, state, regional and event national 4-H programs!
Join 4-H
Youth interest form