Skip to main content Skip to navigation

COVID-19 and CAHNRS  We at CAHNRS are striving to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Learn more at wsu.edu/covid-19

How to Join 4-H

Program Contact: San Juan County 4-H Program
360-370-7662 • sanjuan.4-h@wsu.edu

Enroll for 4-H at 4HOnline

Become a member of 4-H

The 4-H program welcomes youth who turn between 5 and 18 years old by October 1 of the current 4-H year.

To become a member of 4-H club, you will need to meet all enrollment deadlines and sign up on 4-H Online, the Washington State 4-H enrollment database. The program fee is $25. If this fee is a barrier to joining, please contact the Extension office for financial assistance.

For more information about how to use 4-H Online, please refer to our member resources or contact the local Extension office.

How does a 4-H’er successfully complete the year?

In order to successfully complete their 4-H year, San Juan County youth:

  • participate in 2/3 of the local club meetings, or meetings with leaders or special interest 4-H groups
  • submit a 4-H Permanent Record Book
  • exhibit a poster, project, or booth at the San Juan County Fair
  • give a presentation (demonstration) within the 4-H club or group
  • participate in at least one community service project

Members are encouraged but not required to:

  • hold an office in a local 4-H club
  • serve on a club or county committee
  • attend 4-H educational activities (i.e. camps, State Conference, Northwest Teen Rally, State Forum, Know Your Government Conference)

After completing their 4-H year, members receive a certificate and pin.

Want to start a 4-H club?

Contact your WSU Extension Office or visit the Volunteer Resources page for a 4-H volunteer application.

New animal project clubs must be established by March 1 of the current 4-H year, and new still life project clubs must be established by June 1 of the current 4-H year, according to San Juan County 4-H Leaders Council Policy. All potential clubs must be vetted and approved by the WSU Extension Office.

Current clubs in San Juan County are listed here.

4-H Club Definition

The WSU 4H Youth Development Program and the 4H National Headquarters define a 4H Club as an organized group of at least five youth from three different families who meet regularly with a minimum of 2 Certified 4H Volunteers or staff for a longterm, progressive series of educational experiences.

The Club Purpose

The purpose of a 4H Club is to provide positive youth development opportunities to meet the needs of young people to experience belonging, mastery, independence, and generositythe Essential Elementsand to foster educational opportunities tied to the landgrant university knowledge base.

Structure of a 4-H Club

  • Enrolls at least 5 youth members from at least 3 families
  • Conducts a minimum of 6 regular club meetings per year, with many holding 9–12 regular meetings throughout most or all of the year, and often supplemented by project meetings, camps, fairs, and other 4-H learning activities
  • Selects youth officers or youth leaders to provide leadership to the club
  • Provides youth involvement in leadership and decision-making
  • Has written operating guidelines, bylaws, or a constitution approved by members to govern the club or group
  • Meets in any location—a home, community center, military installation, library, public housing site, school, afterschool program, and/or many other places that are agreeable by the club
  • Submits a written program of work to the WSU Extension county office for the current 4-H year
  • Meets interests and needs of youth in same-age or cross-age groupings and using single project or multiple project formats
  • Enrolls any youth eligible for 4-H membership, regardless of race; sex/gender; sexual orientation; gender identity/expression; religion; age; color; creed; national or ethnic origin; physical, mental or sensory disability, including disability requiring the use of a trained service animal; or genetic information
  • Is advised by Certified 4-H Volunteers who have been screened and trained
  • Follows all financial policies, guidelines, and practices

Source: Washington State 4-H Policies and Procedures Manual 2021/2022