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.
How do you join a 4-H Club?
Look at our Open Clubs list – see if there are clubs in your area you want to call or visit. 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. Some clubs may be full and not taking new members at this time.
If there is not a club available in your area, we would love to help you start a new 4-H club in your community. All you need is an adult volunteer who likes to work with youth, and five kids from three families. We will provide support, training, curricula and assistance for your club to be fun, educational, and successful.
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. Then enroll in 4-HOnline. Then jump right in and get involved! 4-H is all about learning-by-doing, hands-on fun!
Please contact our program coordinator, Nancy Baskett at nbaskett@wsu.edu or 425-738-0104 if you have any questions or need help finding a club.
4-H staff is happy to help in any step: kingcounty.4h@wsu.edu or 425-738-0104.
King County 4-H Club Directory:
NOTE: Contact leader of club of interest to find out if the club is a good fit for your child.
TOP CATS 4-H CLUB – AUBURN & ENUMCLAW AREA
Projects: Cats – all 4-H ages
Contact: Caroline – 4htopcats@gmail.com or 253-414-7089
Meetings: Saturday 10 am – noon/once a month beginning October 19th
https://www.facebook.com/TopCatsKingCounty4H
We have openings for new 4-H members.
AUBURN VALLEY TAILWAGGERS – AUBURN
Projects: Dogs – all 4-H ages
Contact: Mari Ann at ponytailsranch3@yahoo.com or avtdogs4h@gmail.com
253-380-5592
Meetings: Monday @ 630 pm – begins October 10th
We need additional volunteers and also need an Agility Trainer
Website: https://kc4hdogs.wixsite.com/avt4h/info#!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/avt4h/
We have openings for new 4-H members.
We welcome new volunteers and Agility Trainer volunteer.
KELSEY CREEK CRITTERS – BELLEVUE/AUBURN
Projects: Rabbits, Poultry, Cavies – ages 8-18, Cloverbuds accepted only from already enrolled families, please.
Contact: Autumn at kelseycreekcritters@outlook.com
Meetings: first and third Tuesday of the month meeting schedule TBA
Meets in Bellevue
https://www.facebook.com/kelseycreekcritters/
There are openings for new members and volunteers.
EASTSIDE HUSHPUPPIES – BELLEVUE
Club leader: Jennifer at jennifergorveatt@gmail.com
425-236-2457
(4) Eastside Hushpuppies 4-H | Facebook
SOUTH KING MARKSMEN – BLACK DIAMOND
Projects: Archery – ages 8-18
Contact: Robert –southkingmarksmen4h@gmail.com
There are no openings for members at this time. Contact to be on the waiting list
BLUE RIBBON 4-H – BLACK DIAMOND & MAPLE VALLEY
Projects: Llama, Rabbits, Sheep & Chickens – 8 years and up
Contact: Rose at email: cenajames80@gmail.com
Meetings: Thursday and Friday at 5 pm
We need additional volunteers for all projects!
https://www.facebook.com/BlueRibbonLama4HClub/
We need resource volunteers for all of our projects.
We have openings for 4-H members.
CLASSIC RIDERS – BUCKLEY
Projects: 4-H Horse – all ages
Contact:
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of month at 630 pm begins 10/8/2019
https://www.facebook.com/groups/160188907758036/
TEKERZ ROBOTICS – BURIEN
Projects: Robotics – 7th -12th grade
Contact: Chris – tekerzrobotics@gmail.com or 425-351-4737 or Dave at…
Meetings: Tuesdays & Thursdays 5-8 pm Highline Robotics Alliance; August – March, Saturdays
We need additional volunteers and mentors for Engineering, Business and Graphic Artists.
We have openings available for new 4-H members.
https://www.facebook.com/first3574
SKUNKWORKS – BURIEN
Projects: Robotics – 7th -12th grade
Contact: Trevor
Meetings: Highline Robotics Alliance
Instagram – @Skunkworks1983
Must be a student in the Puget Sound region to participate.
CASCADE HOME EC – ENUMCLAW
Projects: Cooking, Sewing, …
Contact: Jim or Nancy
Meetings:
Seeking a new meeting location for our club
CLOVERLEAF – ENUMCLAW
Contact: Susan – 206-909-2643 or
Email – Contact Susan at 4hcloverleafclub@gmail.com
LUCKY HORSEHOES – ENUMCLAW/BUCKLEY
Club leader: Michelle Bozeman at michellebozeman@comcast.net or 253-299-6641
Projects: Horse Performance and gaming
EVERGREEN EQUESTRIANS – ENUMCLAW
Projects: 4-H Horse – all ages
Contact: Jennifer – evergreenequestrians@gmail.com or 253-861-8231
Meetings: begin October 3rd – First Thursday of month at 630 pm at Thunder Mountain Middle School
We are accepting new 4-H members.
We need additional volunteers for all projects!
RAINIER RABBITS – ENUMCLAW
Projects: Rabbits and Cavies – all 4-H ages
Contact: Ashleigh – rainierrabbits@gmail.com or 253-797-7411
Meetings: Wednesdays at 6 pm – begins October 30th
https://www.facebook.com/Rainier-Rabbits-4-H-Youth-Club-187726647943033/
We have openings available for new 4-H members.
SIRIUS DOG CLUB – ENUMCLAW
Projects: Dogs – all 4-H ages
Contact: Nancy at nbaskett@wsu.edu
Meetings: Wednesdays at 630 pm – Muckleshoot Library once a month & at Argus Ranch 3 times a month
Facebook page – private group/4-H members & families only
Club is inactive at this time. Need leader
MOUNTED MAGIC – ISSAQUAH & HOBART
Projects: 4-H Horse – all 4-H ages
Contact: Rebecca – reroper@yahoo.com or 206-713-0197
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6 pm beings 9/11/2019 – Mirrormont Club House
We have openings available for new 4-H club members.
HOMESTEADING HALF-PINTS – MAPLE VALLEY
Projects: Rabbits, Poultry, Cavies, Gardening, Art and Science
Contact: Michele – michelepilon28976@gmail.com
Meetings: begin October 21st, 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, 530-630 pm at Maple Valley Grange
https://www.facebook.com/mvhomesteadinghalfpints4H/
SNOQUALMIE VALLEY EVERGREENS – NORTH BEND
Projects: Rabbits & Livestock – all 4-H ages
Contact: Amy – aimshoe@gmail.com or 206-713-2146
Meetings: Wednesdays at 6 pm
https://www.facebook.com/SnoqualmieValleyEvergreens4H/
GOLDEN HORSESHOES – RENTON
Projects: Equine 4-H Horse
Contact: Michelle -mlnewberg@comcast.net or 253-905-8594
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 7 pm begins 10/12/19
We have openings available for new 4-H members.
https://www.facebook.com/Golden-Horseshoes-4H-Club-166016963600958/
GROWING FARMERS – 4-H – RENTON
Projects: Sheep, Market Sheep, Market Livestock – ages 8-15 years
Club leader: Felicia at fgbyrne@mail.fresnostate.edu 661-414-6929
We are currently meeting virtually and at a local farm.
The club is accepting new members!
CEDAR RIVER RASCALS – RENTON
Contact: Nancy – nancygs122047@comcast.net or 425-255-5190
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month – 630-830 pm
We have openings available for new 4-H members!
https://www.facebook.com/crr4H
COOPED UP IN SEATTLE – SEATTLE
Projects: Poultry, Sewing, Gardening, Photography, Cooking & Baking – ages 9-19
Contact: Deb Chickadel debsmartchick@gmail.com 206-362-3685
Meetings: Second Saturday of month 10 am – 12 noon beginning October 12th
We need more volunteers in Poultry!
https://www.facebook.com/CoopedUpInSeattle4H
EMERALD CITY CHANGEMAKERS – SEATTLE
contact: Rebecca Saldana at rebeccajsaldana@gmail.com
Cavy, Gardening, Crafts, Photography
The club is currently accepting new members and volunteers!
EMERALD CITY CLOVER KIDS – NORTH SEATTLE
Projects: Creative Arts, Food & Nutrition, Sewing, Gardening, Photography & Leadership – ages 5-18
Contact: Ju – junamkung@gmail.com or Anna – alzagelow@gmail.com
Meetings: Varies for teen group; 1st Wednesday afternoon of month
We are at max capacity! No new members accepted at this time.
A BOOK OF ADVENTURE – SOUTHCENTER/TUKWILA
Projects: Cooking, Sewing, STEM – ages 5-18
Club is inactive at this time. No new members accepted.
TEEN LEADERS OF TOMORROW – King County
Projects: Leadership – ages 7th grade and up
Contact: Nancy at nbaskett@wsu.edu or mobile 253-224-2884
Meetings: 3rd Thursday of month 630 -830 pm
We have openings available for new 4-H Teen Leaders of Tomorrow!
VASHON ROCK RIDERS – VASHON
Projects: 4-H Horse – ages 8-18
Leader: : Joe Cunningham at baybreezefarm1@comcast.net or 206-459-5343
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Saturday at 10 am – Paradise Ridge Park begins 9/28/2019
We have openings available for new 4-H members!
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.
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.
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. Independent Member Plan (pdf)
4-H is the youth development program of Washington State University. 4-H is where there’s fun in learning and hands-on experiential education. One of the ways youth can participate in 4-H is by joining a 4-H Club.
What is a 4-H Club?
Clubs are the foundation of the 4-H program. A club can be any size from a small group of kids from one neighborhood to a larger club consisting of youth from all over the county. Each club is led by volunteers in their community.
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.
How do you join a 4-H Club?
Look at our Open Clubs list – see if there are clubs in your area you want to call or visit. Some clubs may be full and not taking new members at this time.
If there is not a club available in your area, we would love to help you start a new 4-H club in your community. All you need is an adult volunteer who likes to work with youth, and five kids from three families. We will provide support, training, curricula and assistance for your club to be fun, educational, and successful.
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.