Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

4-H is a youth organization that has been around for 120 years and focuses on experiential learning for members ages 5-19. It is a volunteer run organization, although there are a few staff that are funded through the University of California Cooperative Extension. Members typically attend monthly club meetings, meetings for one or more projects that they choose to take, and then can also attend county, regional, state, and even national events. A 4-H project is somewhat like taking a class on a topic, although they are very hands on and there aren't any grades. Our county offers countywide projects in addition to club-level projects, which really opens up a lot more project possibilities. 

The Homeschool Collective is a group of 4-H projects that occur during traditional school hours and are therefore targeted at the homeschool community. Projects in the Homeschool Collective are open to all 4-Hers throughout Orange County as countywide projects.

A 4-H project is much like a class, but is project-based, hands-on learning. All project leaders are volunteers. As much as possible we try to offer kids the option to choose projects based on their interests. 

To participate in the Homeschool Collective all youth must be registered 4-H members. 4-H registration fees are $85 per child, with an additional $25 family fee (one per family). Fee waivers are available for families in need of financial assistance. Beyond the registration fees, projects will typically have a material fee. The material fees strictly cover the cost to purchase necessary materials that members use in the project and we try our best to keep these very low ($5-$20 per projects for 8 weeks).

Project locations, dates, and times will vary. We do have a standing Tuesday project day at the 4-H office in Irvine from 11am-2:30pm.