How to Join 4-H
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. Follow these steps to get involved in a 4-H Club.
1. 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
- Dogs, Horses, Cats, Rabbits, Cavies, Alpacas, Llamas, Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine, Goats, Poultry
- Veterinary Science, Mechanical Science
- Environmental Stewardship & Exploration
- Gardening, Foods, Sewing, Needlework, Photography, Creative Arts, Performing Arts
- Robotics, Coding and Technology
- and more!
2. Choose a 4-H Club
To find a club that offers leadership in the project you are interested in, visit our 4-H Club Directory on this page below.
In order to join 4-H, you need to find a club in your area with the projects you are interested in. Check out this list at the bottom of the page – 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. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some clubs may not be able to take any new members.
You can also contact 4-H staff to find a club; or to learn how to start your own! 425-738-0104 | kingcounty.4h@wsu.edu
3. 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.
4. Enroll in 4-H and 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!
4-H staff is happy to help in any step: kingcounty.4h@wsu.edu or 425-738-0104.
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.
What age must you be to join a 4-H Club?
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):
| Cloverbud: | Ages 5 – 7 |
| Junior: | Ages 8 -10 |
| Intermediate: | Ages 11 – 13 |
| Senior: | Ages 14 – Less than 19 |
Cloverbuds are youth ages 5-7. This is a non-competitive learning experience.
Juniors are youth 8 years and older and may enroll in many different 4-H projects. Members of this age may exhibit their completed work to be judged for awards.
Intermediate and senior 4-H members also have special opportunities, such as participating in Know your Government, WSU Teen Conference, and the King County Teen Leaders of Tomorrow Club.
Youth may stay in 4-H until his/her 19th birthday (must be before October 1 of the current 4-H year). Youth older than 19 and enrolled in special education classes may belong to 4-H with the approval of the county 4-H Faculty.
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 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: michelle.green@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
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.
Steps in Establishing 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.
How Do We Recruit 4-H Members?
How Many Should We Have?
4-H clubs should have at least five members from 3 or more families. Some suggest that 6 to 10 members per adult leader is an optimum number. Limit your first group to a number with which you and your co-leaders feel comfortable!
Recruiting members is seldom hard to do. Start with a contact to your county Extension staff for names and ideas. You can always write newspaper articles, recruit at schools or church, or just talk up the club to parents and children you know.
Remember that 4-H must be available to all people equally without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or handicap.
How Do I Enroll My Members?
Washington State University King County Extension uses 4-HOnline 2.0 for enrollment, please contact the local office. All 4-H members must re-enroll every year. Enrollment begins on October 1st each year.