Start your 4-H journey today!

4-H is a youth development program where young people learn valuable skills through hands-on experiences. 

4-H Values:

• Head: Learning and thinking critically.

• Heart: Building strong personal values and relationships.

• Hands: Developing skills through practical projects.

• Health: Promoting well-being and healthy living.

The program aims to nurture responsible, resourceful citizens. It's a great way for youth to explore interests, build skills, and make lasting friendships!

Club meetings are typically once per month from September through May and run about 1 hour. Meetings are formal business meetings using parliamentary procedure that are run by the youth club officers. Although meeting attendance is not required, it is HIGHLY recommended to maximize your 4-H experience. At a club meeting the officers practice leadership and public speaking skills. The meeting attendees also frequently practice public speaking skills when giving reports on events or project meetings. 

Sample Meeting Agenda:

Open Meeting

Flag Salutes

Roll Call

Review and Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes

Review and Approval of Treasurer's Report

Project Reports from Each Project

Recreation Activity

County Council Report

Old Business

New Business

Program (an educational presentation or activity)

Adjourn Meeting

A 4-H project is a hands-on learning experience that allows members to explore and develop skills in areas of interest. A 4-H project can truly be anything under the sun. All 4-H projects must consist of at least 6 hours of project tiime. 

Examples of 4-H Projects:

• Animal Science:

  • Raising livestock such as cattle, sheep, pigs, or poultry

  • Learning about animal care, breeding, and showing animals at fairs

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math):

  • Robotics and coding

  • Conducting science experiments and engineering challenges

• Arts and Crafts:

  • Creating artwork, sewing, and crafting

  • Exploring various art techniques and materials

• Healthy Living:

  • Learning about nutrition, fitness, and mental health

  • Cooking and baking projects

• Leadership and Citizenship:

  • Developing leadership skills and organizing community service projects

  • Learning about civic engagement and government

• Agriculture and Gardening:

  • Growing plants, vegetables, and flowers

  • Learning about sustainable farming practices and horticulture

Project meetings will vary greatly depending on the type of project and frequency/duration of the meeting. Some projects are held monthly, with meetings lasting about 1 hour. Other projects choose to hold fewer meetings that are a longer duration each time, sometimes only meeting 2 or 3 times total to fulfill the 6 hour requirement. 

Sample Project Meeting Agenda:

• Icebreaker Activity

• Introduction to New Skill or Topic

• Opportunity to Practice New Skill or Topic

• Reflection on Learning

• Celebrate Successes

The 4-H year in California runs from July 1-June 30, although in Orange County our projects run later due to OC Fair being from mid-July-mid-August. 

• July/August- Enrollment will open for the new year, clubs will start preparing to get the year started. This is time to plan projects, get leadership boards ready, and plan out the year ahead. As a general member without a leadership role, it may seem pretty quiet during these months.

• September - Most clubs will have their 1st club meeting and some projects may start having meetings as well. A club meeting is run by the club leadership team (all youth members) and will generally consist of a business meeting, some recreation activities, and a learning component. A club meeting typically runs about an hour long. Project meeting length can vary, but projects must have a minimum of 6 hours of meetings throughout the year. In September, a Leadership Summit is offered by our county to train youth leadership as well as adult leaders. This is also when we start planning all the county events for the year.

• October - Club meetings and project meetings continue. The county will have the Clover-Joyed fall recognition event. 

• November - Club meetings and project meetings continue. Preparations begin for spring competition events.

• December - Usually pretty quiet, but club and project meetings happen. Clubs may have holiday events, community service activities, etc.

• January - Club meetings and project meetings continue. New projects may be offered. It’s the start of the competition season! County Food Fiesta is this month. At this event members compete in a variety of food competitions, table setting, and a very popular Cupcake Wars. 

• February - Club meetings and project meetings continue. Livestock market projects will start becoming more active. Preparations for County Presentation/Field Day which is typically in late February/early March. Members compete in a variety of public speaking competitions, generally preparing educational topics about their project work. There are also judging contests, cultural arts, and more categories are added every year. County Fashion Revue happens in conjunction with Presentation Day. This is an event for those in sewing, crochet, etc. projects. There is also a category for consumer science (open to all 4-Hers) in which members buy a complete outfit with a limited budget.

• March - Club meetings and project meetings continue. Livestock projects ramp up as all animals will arrive by this time of year.

• April - Club meetings and project meetings continue. Many projects are finishing up, livestock projects are in full swing. This month will have regional level Presentation Day, where members that did well at county can move on and compete again. The OC Fair Imaginology cvent is in mid-April and is a big event for our 4-Hers. There are competitive events for livestock projects and non-livestock. 

• May - Clubs and projects may have their last meetings for the year. End of the year parties may happen. This is also when State Presentation Day and Fashion Revue is. Members that did well at the prior levels may move on and compete at that level. Club Officers should be elected to be ready for the new 4-H year.

• June - Spring end of the year county event. 4-H Summer Camp is also typically in June. Livestock projects will continue since the OC Fair is in mid-July.

• July - OC Fair, State Leadership Conference. Clubs do not usually meet since the new 4-H year begins July 1.

1. Contact the 4-H Club Leader: Reach out to the local 4-H club leader for information on upcoming meetings, events, and activities. 

2. Attend a Meeting: Come to a 4-H meeting or other event to meet other members and learn more about the program.

3. Choose a 4-H Club: You may choose a club based on geographical location, projects offered, or any other criteria that works for you. The closest club may not always be the best fit for your family.

4. Pick a Project: Choose one or more projects that interests you. Each 4-H member must join at least 1 project in order to participate.

5. Complete the Enrollment Process: Fill out the required information and waivers online and pay the annual registration fee. The fee is $85 per youth member, plus an additional $25 per family.