1. Programs

4-H Youth Development

Credit: Marci B Photography (Cropped from original)
National 4-H
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Get involved

4-H provides youth ages five to 19 opportunities to develop skills to create positive change in their lives and communities. Adult and community mentors encourage the sparks of interest of each young person – from art to animal husbandry to science and technology. Since 1914, 4-H clubs have encouraged youth to thrive and reach their full potential.

We need your help to reach every community and school. Committed volunteers and financial support are vital to the success of the 4-H program.

Ways to get involved

Ice-breaker activity at 4-H Summer Conference

What does it mean to be a 4-H member?

The following resources provide an overview of the 4-H program and what it means to be involved.
  • 4-H: A Family Program: This publication provides an introduction to what it means to become a 4-H family. It describes expectations and responsibilities for 4-H members and their families and explains the support role of Extension in the 4-H Youth Development program.
  • Facts About 4-H: This is an introductory 4-H publication designed to help new members, parents, and volunteers understand basic information about Oregon 4-H, including the program's mission, educational philosophy, and history.
  • 4-H Welcomes You/Bienvenidos: Comic-style book in English and Spanish about the benefits of joining 4-H.

Ways for youth to get involved

4-H believes young people learn best by doing. With guidance from a mentor, youth can explore their sparks in life and create their 4-H journey. No matter your budget, schedule, or passion, there is a 4-H program for you! Membership in 4-H is open to all youth, ages 5 through 19, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or marital/parental status.

  • Join a Club. 4‑H clubs follow a planned program and offer multiple learning opportunities for youth that are self-directed. Clubs can meet in a variety of locations and typically meet in the evenings and on the weekends.
  • Go To Camp. 4‑H overnight and day camps offer recreational and educational opportunities in a camp setting. 4‑H camps provide youth with the chance to meet new people, have fun and experience the great outdoors. Learn more about 4-H camps.
  • Participate at School. 4‑H after-school and in-school programs provide 4‑H activities during and after school hours using hands-on activities and 4‑H curriculum. Both programs are available in grade schools and high schools.
  • Explore the Cloverbuds Program for youth ages 5-8. Learn more about the Cloverbuds program.

Member enrollment forms

Before using this form, please contact your local 4-H county program. This year, 4-H runs from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021.

Interested in joining 4-H?

Ready to learn more about 4-H clubs and programs in your area? Want to begin your journey as a 4-H member? Please contact your local 4-H county program to discover the innovative 4-H programs happening near you and learn how to get involved.

Find your local program
Photo by Lynn Ketchum (Cropped from original)
Photo by Lynn Ketchum

Become a 4-H volunteer

You make the best better!

A caring and supportive relationship with an adult is a critical component of the 4-H youth development program. 4-H youth thrive because of you!

Do you have a passion and willingness to share it? Do you enjoy cooking? Sewing? Working with pets or livestock? What about robotics? Contact your local 4-H county program to discover the innovative 4-H programs happening near you and learn how to get involved.

Find your local program

Before filling out these forms

Please check with your local 4-H county program. There may be a county-specific form. Thanks!

Step 1: Apply

To apply to be a 4-H volunteer, send or drop off your application forms at your local OSU Extension office.

Step 2: Enroll yearly

After your application has been approved, fill out enrollment forms. All volunteers need to complete enrollment forms each year.

Conditions of volunteer service forms

Other forms: enrollment and event resources

  • DIVE4Ag: DIVE4Ag project provides immersive experiences for middle and high school Pacific Northwest youth and educators to explore agriculture with a 'farm to table' approach, including virtual reality and online activities. Young people can join the project as content co-creators by becoming a Teens as Teacher or tune into free, on demand monthly Ag Science Cafe interviews.
  • 4-H Health Form: Please fill out this form if you are enrolling or attending a 4-H event.
  • Acknowledgement of Risk and Waiver of Liability: Please read and sign this form if you are enrolling in 4-H or participating in a 4-H activity.
  • Oregon 4-H Animal Science Exhibitor Agreement: All 4-H members participating in an animal science project or events with their animals must read and sign this form.
  • OSU Extension 4-H adult agreement: OSU Extension 4-H Adult Agreement
  • Youth Code of Conduct: The well-being of everyone involved in 4-H program is important. Please read and sign to agree to the Code of Conduct.

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