Welcome to 4-H Youth Development

4-H Night with the Stockton Heat

Click here to download a PDF of the 4-H Night at Stockton Heat flyer!

Our Mission

The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program engages youth in reaching their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.

Head, Heart, Hands, Health. Growing Youth who Thrive.

4-H helps young people to reach their full potential as competent, confident, leaders of character who contribute and are connected to their communities. 4-H serves youth throughout California in urban, suburban and rural communities.

In 4-H, youth design and participate in their own programs and activities. This unique learn-by-doing model teaches essential skills that youth will use throughout their lives, such as identifying sparks, desiring knowledge, setting goals, self-reflection, adapting to new situations, communicating, and responding to the needs of others.

Whether youth are building rockets, raising companion dogs, or planting vegetables, 4-H gives young people the skills they need to thrive and succeed throughout their lives.

Core Values

The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program provides a wide variety of enrichment activities with the ultimate goal of giving youth the skills they need to thrive and succeed throughout their lives. The focus of all 4-H programs is positive youth development through activities in science literacy, healthy living, and citizenship. All 4-H programs are accessible and open to all youth. For more information about 4-H Core Values, visit Chapter 1: Mission and Direction in the 4-H Youth Development Program.

Read more about the California 4-H Mission and Direction (2003).

San Joaquin 4-H Facebook Feed

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4-H Blog Feed

How 4-H'ers can help with disaster relief

Added November 19, 2018

The past few years California and the nation have faced devastating natural disasters. When we see images of devastation and loss on the news and...
Take a time-in at the Mindfulness Retreat

Added September 7, 2018

We asked teens who attended last year's 2017 Mindfulness Retreat: "What were the highlights of the Mindfulness Retreat for you? What did you learn...
Siskiyou County Hi 4-H helps animal owners prepare for fire season

Added July 3, 2018

Siskiyou County is one of California's most rural counties. Forest fires and other natural disasters are often a concern for our communities. Many of...