About 4-H

If you are between the ages 5 and 19, or if you are an adult interested in working with youth, 4-H may be for you. 4-H is the youth development program of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Through hands-on learning, the 4-H Program creates supportive, fun learning environments that help youth and adult volunteers reach their fullest potential as capable, competent, and caring citizens. The 4-H Club is the learning environment that is most widely recognized, whether it is an organized group of youth and adult volunteers in a neighborhood or a group working with a special interest topic such as Animal Science or Community Service.

Cornell Cooperative Extension appreciates diversity, values volunteerism, and partners with community organizations and schools to make a difference for youth, families, and communities.

Join 4-H

Get Involved:  The Four H's (head, heart, hands, and health) represent four basic human needs: independence, belonging, generosity, and mastery. Research indicates that youth whose basic needs are met in positive ways are likely to grow into active citizens and contributing members of their families and communities. 4-H can help you to help your child meet these needs.

By combining project activities with opportunities to go to camp, publicly show their work, travel, and meet new people, 4-H provides a framework on which young people can build self-confidence, responsibility, and generosity.

Becoming a member in 4-H can take you places you have never been before! 4-H members make new friends, learn new things and gain new skills that will last a lifetime. If you are between 5 and 19 years of age you can become a 4-H member.

What will I do in 4-H? 4-H members choose projects that interest them. There are more than 150 4-H projects to choose from. Members attend regular meetings, are involved in public speaking and community service activities, and can serve as a club officer. They may also want to participate in 4-H events, Public Presentations, Ontario County and New York State Fair or attend 4-H Camp Bristol Hills. 

How much does it cost to join 4-H? Joining 4-H clubs costs very little – only $25/year for each member, with a maximum of $65/family. Individual clubs may charge dues to cover expenses, and some project areas, such as photography and livestock, may require a small investment for supplies and equipment. Clubs may get involved in 2 annual fundraisers that help raise money for their clubs.

When I join 4-H, do my parents have to become leaders? Parents don't have to become 4-H leaders when you join 4-H, but most leaders appreciate the assistance of parents or other adults. This help can range from being a project leader, to driving members to activities, to supplying refreshments for a meeting.

Become a Volunteer: If you enjoy working with youth and would like to help them reach their full potential as capable, competent and caring citizens, become a 4-H volunteer! There are many ways to get involved: serve as a club leader, teach a project, organize special activities, serve on a committee and more. Whatever your talents or interests, there is a volunteer role for you. 4-H volunteers receive excellent training, guidance and ongoing supervision appropriate to the specific roles they assume.

Please find more information about the Ontario County 4-H program in this pamphlet.

Ontario County 4-H Overview Pamphlet

Last updated October 4, 2023