4-H Clubs
4-H clubs have been in existence in North Carolina for almost 100 years!
Clubs are community-based and volunteer-led, based on the needs and interests of youth!
A 4-H club is a group of youth and at least one adult leader who meet at least once a month to participate in activities of interest to youth. 4-H clubs focus on "learning by doing," using the experiential learning model, and build life skills and developmental assets through their work.
You can get involved with 4-H clubs in Wake County by joining an existing club or starting a new one!
What is a club?
A club is a group of five or more young people, guided by an adult leader. Members can elect officers and each member chooses one or more projects. Each club may explore a single subject or several subjects. 4-H members elect club officers, conduct their own business, work together on community service activities, meet new friends, and most important, have lots of fun!
Why do young people like 4-H?
4-H provides a chance to learn new things, develop new skills, travel to new places, experience new situations, make new friends, and have lots of fun. Most importantly, they get to decide what they want to learn and how.
What does it cost?
4-H has no membership registration fee or required uniform. There may be minimal costs for project manuals and some 4-H activities or events. Some clubs have dues to help defray the costs of project materials and refreshments; others take turns or secure private sponsors to cover costs.
Where do clubs meet?
A 4-H club may be organized on community or neighborhood basis and use local facilities, such as the public library, or members' homes. Also, it can be organized within a school using the school's facilities, time and staff. Any place large enough and convenient for the club members is a good choice.
How often do clubs meet?
Most clubs meet once or twice a month all year long, depending on what the group wants to do. The 4-H year runs from January 1 to December 31.
When do clubs meet and how long does a meeting last?
This depends on the group. Many community clubs meet for an hour or two after school, in the evening, or on Saturday. The most important thing is to have a regular time to get together.
How big should a club be?
This depends on the age of the members, the places they have to meet, and the leadership available. The ideal club is big enough to have fun together, but small enough for everyone to feel a part of the group.
What are 4-H projects?
4-H projects are challenging, but practical, planned courses of study with learning experiences centered around a specific subject. Members usually work on a project (subject area) for a year at a time. Hands-on, learn-by-doing involvement is the most important aspect of a project. Making, growing, caring for, observing and participating are all involved in 4-H projects. The areas range from traditional agricultural and horticulture to modern things such as computers, aerospace and even pets!
One of the most important aspects of 4-H project work is that the 4-H Member decides what they want to learn and do as they explore a subject they have chosen. They may select one or more projects and receive a project manual that guides them through the activities. This allows the project to be self-paced and gives children important skills in setting and working toward their goals.
What does a 4-H project cost?
It varies. Members are responsible for the cost of supplies for projects. Some projects might use supplies from around the house, while others might spend hundreds of dollars in their project. The cost of the project should be realistic to the family situation.
Are 4-H members expected to do their own project work?
Yes, with help. Members are expected to select at least one or more learning experiences related to the project during the year. 4-H is a "learn-by-doing" program. Leaders, junior leaders and parents may tell or show members how, but members are expected to learn to do things themselves.
Are projects done individually or as a group?
Both. It varies among projects and among clubs. Some projects, such as breads or visual arts, are more fun done as a group. Others, such as making a dress or growing a garden, will be done individually. Some clubs have several project leaders and do specific project work at club meetings while others rely on parents and others to help members individually.
What do 4-H clubs do at meetings?
4-H clubs usually participate in four general kinds of activities during the meeting. They have a business meeting, special interest programs, project work, and recreation and social activities. Clubs may have a little business to conduct, may work on their projects for a while, and may then play a game or two. Some meetings are devoted to one specific topic.
Who are 4-H leaders?
Volunteer leaders are the backbone of the 4-H program. They are adults who work voluntarily with a group of 4-H members. Volunteers go through a youth protection application and screening process before they are enrolled as leaders. Additionally, volunteers receive training in skills they will need to become a successful 4-H volunteer.
Often, parents become volunteers with their child's 4-H club and help with various aspects of the club such as planning trips, organizing materials and helping with logistics such as refreshments, as well as providing general supervision during club activities. Parents are expected to help when they have a child or children in the 4-H program.
Do you have to be in a 4-H club to participate in 4-H?
No. We have many members who participate as 4-H "at large" members. This means that they can choose which activities they participate in during their 4-H career; however, we strongly encourage youth to participate in clubs, since this gives the chance for regular interaction with peers and adults, and is sometimes more fun than doing projects on your own! At-large members are still welcome to participate in all county, district and state events, as long as they complete eligibility requirements for the event or activity.
How do I find a list of current Wake County 4-H clubs?
Our clubs update their information with us frequently, and we want to protect the contact information for leaders from spammers, so we do not publish it online at this time. It's easy to get a list of clubs, though – simply call Martha Smith, Wake County 4-H Secretary, at 919-250-1092 or Heather Tart, Wake County 4-H Agent, at 919-250-1093, or you may email
martha.smith@wakegov.com or
heather.tart@wakegov.com.