4-H Membership

4-H  if open to all!  4-H offers many options for club membership and participation.

Program Year
The 4-H program year runs from September 1 to August 31 annually.  Youth may enroll in county 4-H programs at any time during the program year.  There may be some state or local deadlines for participation in certain activities or programs.

Types of Memberships
Contact your county MU Extension office to find just the right fit for you!

For a step by step on how to join 4-H, see Get Involved.

• 4-H Community Clubs
  Youth enroll in projects and participate in group activities and meetings.  The club elects officers and plans an educational program of business, community service and learning together.
  Ages 8-18 on December 31 of the program year.

• 4-H Single Project Clubs
  A single project club is similar to a community club; the difference is that a single project is the focus.  Ages 8-18 on December 31 of the program year.

• 4-H Family Clubs
  A family may form a 4-H club in cases where a local 4-H club is not accessible or convenient, or where there is a special topic of interest to the family.  Ages 8-18 on December 31 of the program year.

• 4-H Independent or Individual Membership
  Independent membership is for youth who cannot meet with 4-H club units due to distance or who have conflicts with school, work or other obligations or who have a highly specialized interest.  Individual members complete a plan using the Individual 4-H Member Comprehensive Plan Y639 (PDF fillable) and file it with the local University of Missouri Extension center. Ages 8-18 on December 31 of the program year.

• 4-H Clover Kids Club
  The 4-H Clover Kids program is designed to introduce 5 to 7 year olds to a variety of 4-H experiences. 4-H Clover Kids will be involved in activities led by an adult.  With the excitement of the Clover Kids experience, this age group will want to move into the 4-H Community Club groups!  Clover Kids do not participate in competitive events, contests or show.  Ages 5-7 on December 31 of the program year.

• 4-H In the Classroom
  Meeting during school time and using curricula supplied through 4-H, these groups are coordinated by partnerships of 4-H, Extension and school personnel.  Grades K-12 or equivalent.

• 4-H Afterschool
  Afterschool clubs meet during or after school and often focus on a single subject such as computers or arts.  Clubs often focus on a single subjects such as computers or arts.  The amount of time the groups meet varies from a short period of time to a full 4-H program year.  The club may also elect officers.  Grades K-12 or equivalent.