In 4-H, youth choose one or more areas of interest to explore. 4-H calls these areas of interest “projects”. Youth also choose a 4-H club in which to explore their project.
A 4-H Club…
- Is an organized group of youth.
- Has a planned program that is ongoing thoughout all or most of the year.
- Is advised by adult staff or volunteers.
- Typically elects officers.
- May meet in any location.
- Includes opportunities to learn skills through a wide variety of project experiences.
- Offers opportunities for leadership, citizenship/community service, and public speaking.
How to Join
Program Contact
Nancy Baskett, 4-H Program CoordinatorPhone Number425-738-0104 Email Address • nbaskett@wsu.edu
Choose a Project
What are you interested in? 4-H offers many opportunities to learn more! Choose one (or more) of the projects offered in King County 4-H Project:
- Dogs, Horses, Cats, Rabbits, Cavies, Alpacas, Llamas, Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine, Goats, Poultry
- Mechanical Science or Robotics
- Environmental Stewardship & Exploration
- Gardening, Foods, Sewing, Needlework, Photography, Creative Arts
Choose a 4-H Club
In order to join 4-H, you need to find a club in your area with the projects you are interested in. You cannot apply for membership until you find a club that has openings AND approval from the club leader. There may be max capacity for projects or facilities.
To find a club that offers leadership in the project you are interested in, visit our 4-H Club Directory
You can also contact 4-H staff to find a club or to learn how to start your own!
Make Connections
Use the provided contact information to connect with clubs to learn more about them and arrange to visit meetings or activities to find the club that best fits your needs and goals.
Enroll in 4-H Online & Have fun!
Once you have chosen a club and contacted a leader to determine space available, contact our program coordinator, Nancy Baskett at nbaskett@wsu.edu or 425-738-0104. After this, we will walk you through the process to enroll in 4-HOnline. Then jump right in and get involved! 4-H is all about learning-by-doing, hands-on fun!
What Happens in a 4-H Club?
A 4-H club usually concentrates on one or more projects such as gardening, woodworking, small animals, food and nutrition, photography, STEM, etc. 4-H members build leadership by electing officers and conducting their own business meetings; work together on community service activities; meet new friends; and most important, have lots of fun. Clubs may enter competitions or fairs.
4-H Ages
The following groups are identified for special programs and activity participation within the 4-H Youth Development Program (age based on age as of October 1 of the current program year):
| Age Level | Program Description/Age |
|---|---|
| Cloverbud | Ages 5-7 This is a non-competitive learning experience for our youngest 4-H’ers. |
| Junior | Ages 8-10 Junior and Intermediate Members may enroll in many different 4-H projects and exhibit their completed work to be judged for awards. |
| Intermediate | Ages 11-13 Members of these two age groups may enroll in all projects and exhibit their completed work to be judged for awards. |
| Senior | Ages 14- less than 19 Youth may participate in Know Your Government, Teen Conference and Teen Leaders of Tomorrow. Youth may stay in 4-H until his/her 19th birthday (must be before October 1 of the current 4-H year). |
4-H Participation models
Community Clubs
A 4-H club is a group of youth who are led by volunteers. Clubs may be a single-project club, where the group only participates in one project area (like only dogs, or only cooking) or multi-project club, where the group participates in many project areas.
School Enrichment and Camps
4-H offers over 450 curriculum and learning resources that are research-based, peer-reviewed, hands-on fun for after school, home school, school enrichment, day camps, and more. We’d love to talk with you about content delivery options for your program.
Contact to learn more: nbaskett@wsu.edu
Visit the 4-H Curriculum and Resources Webpage.
Independent Member Option
An independent member program is offered for those youth who are not able to join a club. This program involves setting goals, quarterly meetings to discuss progress and end of the year activities.
Starting a 4-H Club
- Contact the county 4-H staff.
- Become a leader by attending local 4-H volunteer/leader training.
- Obtain county and state 4-H policies and guidelines.
- Assess youth, parent and community needs and interests.
- Recruit potential club members.
- Conduct an organizational meeting.
- Recruit project leaders and distribute curricula.
- Complete and submit enrollment and other appropriate reports.
- Assist with club by-laws preparation.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information or other reasonable accommodation should contact Nancy Baskett at 425-738-0104 nbaskett@wsu.edu or Alyssa Bowers at 425-738-0110 alyssa.bowers1@wsu.edu or kingcounty.4h@wsu.edu, at least two weeks prior to the event.