If you are interested in starting a new 4-H Club, follow these four steps. At any time during the process, you can contact your local 4-H Coordinator for guidance.
Step 1: Get Started
You need:
- Five or more youth, ages 5–18 as of October 1, for the current 4-H program year, which runs from October 1 through September 30.
- At least one interested adult to help run the club.
- Ideas for having fun and learning skills that youth can use throughout their lives.
Discuss your needs.
Talk about the idea with the youth who are interested. Start with something simple that they would like to learn about.
Ideas could include:
- Caring for a family pet
- Starting a leaf collection
- Cooking snacks
- Making a decoration
Step 2: Get Oriented
Contact the 4-H Office at 360-427-9670 ext. 681 to schedule a 4-H Club Leader Orientation.
During the orientation, we will help you:
- Advertise for members using the open clubs link.
- Plan an orientation session for prospective 4-H members and parents.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of volunteers and club leaders.
- Set goals for your first year and decide how to reach them.
- Celebrate your success as your 4-H members have fun and learn new skills.
Step 3: Get Help
Building a successful 4-H club takes a team. Ask adults and older teens to help with club activities and projects.
Personally ask people to take active roles in your club. Consider recruiting parents, other adults, and older teens in the community as:
- Project leaders
- Activity leaders
- Resource leaders
Step 4: Get Busy
Once your club is ready to get started:
- Complete enrollment forms.
- Work with your new group to decide meeting dates and times.
- Plan a calendar for your first year’s program.
- Decide what you want to accomplish.
- Discuss club ground rules.
- Encourage members to select a club name.
- Set up project groups.
- Elect club officers.
Ready to Get Started?
Starting a 4-H club is a great way to bring youth together to learn, lead, and build new skills. If you have questions or would like help getting started, contact your 4-H Coordinator or call the 4-H Office at 360-427-9670 ext. 681.