What is 4-H?

4-H is a family oriented youth development organization offering young people the chance to learn, mature and have fun while interacting with others.

4-H is part of the national system of Cooperative Extension, operated in each state by the land grant university. In Pennsylvania, Penn State University has Cooperative Extension offices in every county of Pennsylvania. The type of programs and variety of clubs are not the same in all counties. This website outlines the program, clubs and special events in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Check out your local County Extension Office for your local options.

4-H Projects

Projects are the basic way of learning and the foundation of 4-H Clubs. Members learn the "why" and "how" of making things, growing things, and doing things. All 4-H members must enroll in at least one project.

4-H Clubs

A 4-H Club is a group of young people with adult supervision. The group may be active over the whole year, or may meet for a specific set of meetings to accomplish a designated project. Members may work on the same or differing projects.

Clubs can be organized by neighborhood, school or a larger geographic area for youth with similar interest.

Who can join?

Children must be at least 8 years old and not more than 18 on January 1 of the current year to join a 4-H Club.

What does it cost?

There are no county, state or national dues. Individual clubs may charge dues for their own use if they choose. Penn State University charges fees for the development and distribution of educational materials provided by the state office. For individuals, this fee is $10 when the member registers for 4-H, for a group enrollments, such as a classroom project, it is $20 per project. Project booklets are furnished free of charge to leaders. The cost of project materials such as fabric, food, plants, animals and supplies is covered by members. Sometimes 4-H supplies project materials and charges an enrollment fee to cover the costs.

How are volunteers involved?

Adults and teens interested in working with young people and willing to share their time and talents are the volunteers that make 4-H programs successful. Each club has at least one responsible adult as its organizational leader. Other volunteers serve as project leaders, activity leaders, planning committee members, event workers and 4-H Board members.

How do families get involved?

Family involvement is important in 4-H. Some 4-H activities provide opportunities for families to interact, make new friends and learn together. Family members volunteer to help lead clubs, teach projects, provide transportation, conduct activities, promote the 4-H programs and get others involved.

Are there other 4-H Opportunities?

A wide variety of activities are available to 4-H members in addition to their regular project work. These additional opportunities include field trips, service projects, exhibits, competitive events, conferences and recreational activities.

Teens have the opportunity to participate in regional, state and national events.

Penn State Cooperative Extension - General Information and Resources, http://www.cas.psu.edu

**The information provided on this site is for Delaware County residents and may not be the same as that offered by other counties. If you are not a Delaware County resident, you should contact the Cooperative Extension office (in Pennsylvania or other US States) located in your county.

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