How to Join 4-H

Who can join?  Youth, ages 5 to 19 as of January 1 of the current year, may join.

Where do I sign up? Join a club in your county, near your home or school. Experience 4-H with a friend, invite them to join with you. Contact your county University of Idaho Extension office  to enroll today.

When should I sign up? Join anytime! But join by the county's 4-H enrollment deadline to take advantage of all 4-H opportunities including participation in Fair.

What is there to do? Members, age 8 to 19 as of January 1 of the current year, select 4-H project(s) to explore through club and county activities. Cloverbud members, age 5 to 7 participate in non-competitive activities exploring a variety of fun, hands-on interest areas.

Does it cost anything? You’re out of pocket costs for participating in 4-H will include one or more of the following types of expenses:

·         Project Book/Resources — Project books/resources may be available through your county Extension office, so ask your 4-H staff member.

·         Project Items — Supplies, materials, equipment, animals, facilities and other resources needed to complete the 4-H project learning experience.

·         County Activity Fee — Per member fee determined by the County 4-H Program.

·         Club Dues/Fees — Per member fee charged by some clubs used towards refreshments, project book costs, Fair pass, club t-shirt, supplemental insurance, etc. Please ask the club advisor about their 4-H club fee structure.

·         4-H Events & Opportunities — Fees charged for participation in events and opportunities such as camps, workshops, conferences, trips, etc.

What are the benefits? Members learn life skills, make new friends, enhance self-esteem, achieve personal goals, develop positive relationships with peers and volunteers, and have fun learning and sharing as a family and a club.

4-H Basics

4-H Emblem     "The 4-H Name & Emblem is a highly valued mark within our country's history. As such, it was granted a very unique and special status; it is in a category similar to the Presidential Seal and the Olympic Emblem. This federal protection makes it a mark into and of itself with protection that supersedes the limited authorities of both a trademark and a copyright. As a result, responsibility and stewardship for the 4-H Name & Emblem were not given to the U.S. Patent Office but were given to a higher level of the federal government, a member of the Cabinet, the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary has responsibility for the 4-H Name and Emblem, at the direct request of Congress. The '18 USC 707' is the statement in the United States Code that outlines the protection of the 4-H Name & Emblem." — From National 4-H Headquarters

4-H Colors - Green is nature's most common color, represents life, growth and youth. White symbolizes purity and high ideals.

4-H Pledge - The 4-H pledge describes how 4-H helps youth develop and grow in positive ways.

·         Head stands for decision making, planning, organizing, problem solving and using knowledge throughout life.

·         Heart stands for strong personal values, positive self-concept, concern for others, cooperation and communication.

·         Hands stands for volunteering, community service, preparing for the world of work, science and technology literacy, and useful skills.

·         Health stands for healthy lifestyles, character, ethics, stress management and disease prevention.

"I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking,
My HEART to greater loyalty,
My HANDS to larger service,
And my HEALTH to better living,
For my club, my community, my country, and my world."

4-H Motto: "To Make the Best Better"  - The 4-H motto encourages each member to do his or her best and improve the next time, so his or her "best" becomes "better." Members stretch their abilities and capacities to reach their full potential.

4-H Slogan: "Learn By Doing" - The philosophy of the 4-H program provides opportunities for youth to gain "hands-on" experience to enhance their learning.