Be a 4-H member

Go directly to: online enrollment | paper-based enrollment

Who can participate in 4-H?

4-H serves youth in grades kindergarten through one year past high school from all backgrounds and interests. 4-H offers membership without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or handicap. Those who are in kindergarten through grade 3 may participate through Cloverbuds.

How can I participate in 4-H?

• Join a local 4-H club — 4-H clubs are groups of youth who meet regularly to work on 4-H projects, perform community service, develop leadership skills and learn to work together. Guided by one or more adult volunteers, a club can be any size, from a small group of neighborhood kids to a large group from a school or county.
  Visit a club meeting in your area before joining and see what 4-H has to offer! Find a club in your area.
  
• Become an independent 4-H member — Independent 4-H members participate in planned learning outside of a club setting. Their work is self-directed with guidance and support of parents and mentors.
• Participate in 4-H Adventures — 4-H Adventures are one-time events where youth can participate in a 4-H project or activity. You need not be enrolled in 4-H to participate. Check your county's Extension office to find out about 4-H Adventures in your area.

What can I do in 4-H?

If you're enrolled in a 4-H club or as an independent member, 4-H has something for you! Explore all of the 4-H projects. If you don't see a project that interests you, just ask! We can help you create your own project.

How can I enroll in a club?

You may enroll online, by completing paper forms, showing up at a club meeting or stopping in person at your local county Extension office.

How much does it cost to participate in 4-H?

4-H is a publicly funded program of University of Minnesota Extension. Some counties and clubs charge a nominal membership fee (check with your local county Extension office.)

Project costs vary, and many don't require a big investment. For example, members enrolled in crafts might use supplies from around the house to practice the skills they are learning and, therefore, would have no additional expenses. 4-H'ers who buy and keep a saddle horse, however, might have to make a large investment.

How can I volunteer for 4-H?

Capable, caring adult volunteers are always needed to help lead and assist with 4-H activities. Orientation and training is provided, so no previous experience is necessary. 4-H volunteers are supported by a professional staff, including 4-H Program Coordinators and 4-H Extension Educators. There are also various 4-H support and advisory groups made up of interested adult volunteers.

All adults who work with 4-H youth must complete the Volunteer Selection Process, including a criminal history check. Check out the 4-H Volunteer page or contact your local county Extension Office for more information about how you can become a 4-H volunteer!

How do I find the 4-H office in my area?

Go here to see a list of county and regional Extension offices and websites.

Welcome to 4-H!

Just joined?

See a personal welcome from Minnesota 4-H State Program Leader Dorothy McCargo Freeman.

Getting Started in 4-H

Here are a few key resources that will help guide you in 4-H:

• 4-H family handbook - everything you need to know about participating in 4-H (559 K PDF)
• Code of conduct policy for 4-H members
• Project selection guide - Use this to help select projects you are interested in this year.

Current 4-H members

4-H has something for everyone! Youth in kindergarten through one year past high school can participate in short-term activities or longer-term clubs, where groups meet regularly to work on projects, perform community service and develop leadership skills.

No matter what project you choose, through 4-H you will learn public speaking skills, how to collaborate, understand government and community, and how to develop goals for life and career.

Browse the 4-H project selection guide. If you can't find a project that interests you, we'll help you develop one.

Here are a few key resources that will help guide you in 4-H:

4-H Family Handbook - Everything you need to know about participating in 4-H.

Policies for 4-H members, including code of conduct, graduation and animal science policies

Project Selection Guide - Use this to help select projects you are interested in this year.

Re-enroll online

4-H members can re-enroll online, update contact information and drop/add projects (during the appropriate dates)

• More information can be found on the MN 4HOnline support and info page.

4-H youth record keeping

4-H is not just learning by doing. It's learning by doing it, sharing it, understanding it, relating it, and using it. 4-H Youth Record Keeping encourages you to reflect on your experience so you can share it with others and learn.