A 4-H Club:
- Is an organized group of youth.
- Has a planned program that is ongoing throughout 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 WSU Pacific County Extension office at 360-875-9331.
- Become a leader by attending 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 may find it helpful to recruit other adults to help with club leadership. Interested parents, 4-H alumni, or friends often are willing to help. This gives the leader much-needed assistance and provides continuity for club meetings. An older and experienced teen member can help to teach younger members and lead activities.
Remember that 4-H must be available to all people equally without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.
How Do I Enroll My Members?
Washington State University Pacific County Extension uses 4HOnline for enrollment, please contact us for more information. All 4-H members must re-enroll every year. Enrollment begins on October 1 of each year.