Projects are hands-on learning experiences led by 4-H volunteers and often a 4-H member serving as a junior or teen leader. A 4-H project meets approximately once a month, or a minimum of 6 hours of total project work time. Project meetings are held in parks, at private homes, or at other various locations depending on the project and lesson. A member may enroll in one project or many projects.
Just about any topic that a member is interested in learning about can be turned into a 4-H project. 4-H projects are about finding passions and hobbies as well as learning skills. For example, a board game project might consist of exploring different game mechanics throughout the year and culminate in members creating their own game based on existing mechanics.
Since projects are led by volunteers we need to find a volunteer willing to lead the project in order to host it. You don’t have to be an expert to lead a project! Parent volunteers can learn alongside their kids, embodying the 4-H slogan “Learn by doing”. Also, if our club doesn’t offer the project but another club does, members may be permitted to enroll through a process called “cross-clubbing”. Finally, some projects are offered as “countywide” projects that are open to all 4-Hers in the county, regardless of club.
We are still working on finalizing details and adding more projects for this year. If you are interested in leading a project or taking a project that is not currently listed, please send an email to trabuco4h@gmail.com.
3-D Cardboard Sculpture: Members will learn to work with cardboard to create unique 3-D sculptures. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
Astronomy: The 4-H Astronomy Project is designed to provide members with a comprehensive understanding of the cosmos. It's structured around three 2-hour project meetings, totaling 6 hours of dedicated learning, and includes various engaging field trips and fun activities. More info
Cavies (Guinea Pigs): Learn about the care and keeping of cavies! Members do not need to own a guinea pig to participate.
Cloverbuds: This project is an introduction to all things 4-H for our primary members (ages 5-8). We will sample a variety of 4-H projects and events as part of this project.
Community Service: This will be a hybrid project with some meetings online and other activities in -person. The members will plan their community service activities for the year and execute them. Members will work towards completing the Presidential Volunteer Service Award documentation (PVSA).
Geckos: Learn about the care and keeping of geckos! Members do not need to own a gecko to participate.
Guitar: Come learn the fundamentals of guitar. Members should have access to a guitar (acoustic or electric). Beginner used guitars can be found on Marketplace or at Guitar Center often for less than $50. (ages 8+, limited to 5 participants). Meetings will begin in January.
Hobby Horse: Learn about the Hobby Horse sporting hobby. You will also learn about actual horses along the way! More info
Hippology: A horse knowledge project to establish a good foundational understating of horse breeds, care, etc. Members do not need to own a horse to participate.
Large Livestock (Sheep & Swine): In this project members learn about their animals, how to care for them, and how to show them. Market animals will be purchased in the late winter/early spring to be ready for the OC Fair in July. Market animals are ultimately sold. Members do not need to own an animal to participate, but will likely want to. Breeding sheep are not sold at auction.
Rabbits: The goal of this project is to teach participants (ages 10 and up) how to properly care for rabbits and guinea pigs, focusing on feeding, housing, grooming, handling, and overall health management. Youth will learn to apply these skills through interactive lessons and practical activities. The project will culminate in a final showcase, where members can display their knowledge, care skills, and accomplishments in a club setting or public event. Each session lasts approximately 1 hour and includes virtual and hands-on activities and key lessons. More info
2025-2026 Countywide Project List (Open to all 4-Hers in Orange County)
Sewing: Learn to sew! Culminating in county Fashion Revue on Mar. 14. Sewing machines can be checked out from the county office (SCREC Super Saturdays, Fall)
Hand Lettering: The 4-H Hand Lettering Project is designed to introduce members to the art of creating beautiful letterforms by hand. It's structured around three 2-hour project meetings, totaling 6 hours of dedicated learning, and includes various fun, hands-on activities. (SCREC Super Saturdays, Fall)
Pygmy Goats: Members will learn about the care and keeping of Pygmy Goats along with learning how to show a Pygmy Goat. Members do not need to own a goat to participate. More info
Public Speaking: Members will learn tips and techniques for effective public speaking with the final goal of presenting at County Presentation Day on March 14. Meetings to be held via Zoom & in-person. More info
Record Books & Achievements: Members will learn how to work towards 4-H Achievements and how to put together a Record Book. Members will learn valuable organizational skills and will have the opportunity to earn special pins through this process.
DIY Home & Body Care: Learn how to make your own products for home and body care using basic ingredients that are easily accessible and preservative free (SCREC Super Saturdays, Spring)
Flower Arranging: This project will teach participants the fundamental techniques of floral design, the history and cultural significance of floral arrangements, and the critical role of pollinators, especially bees, in the life cycle of flowers. The program culminates in a showcase of individual floral designs, allowing participants to demonstrate their new skills. More info (SCREC Super Saturdays, Spring)
Dairy Goat
Rabbit
Cavies
Poultry
Contact trabuco4h@gmail.com to be put in contact with a project leader and be added to the interest list!
Need to update your ZSuite Project list? Click the button above to fill out a Google Form and Rita, our county representative, will update as soon as she can.
Current Approved Projects (throughout OC 4-H)
Refer to this list to find out if another club offers a project you would like to be a part of that might be open for cross-clubbing. Note: since the year is just starting most projects have not yet gotten all their paperwork in to be added to this list. More projects will be added as they complete necessary paperwork and volunteer requirements.