How Does a 4-H Club Work?
Clubs generally start in September - October and go until May-June. Some clubs may have project or club meetings over summer. Club meetings generally occur monthly and last approximately one hour. Projects require a minimum of 6 hours of meeting time. Many projects have more than 6 hours of meeting time and some may even require time outside of the project meeting itself to be successful.
Club Meetings
4-H members in clubs operate under an established constitution and by-laws or set of operating procedures. Clubs either elect youth officers or have youth leaders provide leadership to the club. In partnership with adults, youth develop and implement an annual educational plan. The Club leader or other adult volunteer supports the members in these activities and guides them as they acquire leadership skills. Club meetings also provide an opportunity for members and parents/guardians to share experiences and interests. For clubs that have business meetings, any parent or adult volunteer may join the discussion, but only UC 4- H members vote on matters that are brought before the club.
Project Meetings
Members choose to learn within “projects”. A project may be a topic like geology, photography, small animals, food and nutrition, or bicycling. It can be almost any subject that young people are interested in. Each club offers different projects depending on the needs and interests of youth and availability of caring, adults to lead the project. Completed projects may be exhibited at the County Fair or similar UC 4-H event. They are judged and awards are given for quality work.
Club Officers
Clubs that are run by an executive board, made of 4-H members, must have the following positions but many have more:
- President - conducts meetings and appoints committees.
- Vice President - is in charge of the program plans
- Secretary - keeps minutes and attendance records
- Treasurer - pays club bills, keeps records of monies spent, and deposits monies.
