Join the largest youth development program in the nation!
The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program (California 4-H) is open to all youth ages 5 to 18. We welcome youth and adult volunteers of all backgrounds.
How do I sign up?
To sign up as a 4-H member, you must be aged 5 to 18. You join 4-H through your local county UC Cooperative Extension office. We are in every county in California!
To get started
Please go to your county 4-H site to get started on joining.
You can also fill out our 4-H Interest Form if you want someone from your county to contact you.
What do I need to join?
1: Choose a program and project
To become a 4-H member, you must be between ages 5 and 18 by December 31 of the 4-H year. You choose the 4-H program (club/unit/camp) you’re joining in your county. See our Programs page for more information about the types of programs you can join.
You must also select one 4-H project that you will start with. Every county and every program offers different types of projects. You will only be able to sign up for projects that are available at the time you sign up. Some projects may have age restrictions, or require additional costs (such as purchasing supplies, etc.) Please see our 4-H Projects to learn more about what you may be interested in.
2. Complete the enrollment application
If you are new to 4-H, a parent or guardian in your household must create a new household account in ZSuite, our online enrollment system. Only household members who wish to participate in 4-H need to be added to the account. The ZSuite registration will require an email account for the household. Please note that the bulk of our communications is via email so please use an email address that you check often. If you do not have internet access, you can turn in the paper enrollment forms to your county 4-H contact.
The enrollment application includes a health form to fill out and other documents that a parent/guardian must review and sign off on.
3. Enrollment fee
Your county 4-H contact will give you instructions on how to submit your enrollment fee. Fee waivers are available - please let your county 4-H contact know if you are interested.
4. Membership Activation
Once your completed application and fees are confirmed by the county 4-H office, they will activate your membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with a 4-H membership?
Your choice of activities
Your 4-H membership is active through June. During that period, you can sign up for projects in your club and county. You can also sign up for webinars, conferences and events and as they become available. You can join more than one 4-H program too. You can be in a 4-H Community Club and also join a 4-H SPIN Club, or a 4-H Camp. Please check with your county 4-H contact for more information about what's available in your county.
State 4-H Monthly Newsletter
You will be included in the State 4-H Newsletter list. We send out monthly updates on opportunities outside of your club and county. The State newsletter includes information on state and national 4-H events and campaigns and webinars. We also share stories from our blog, California 4-H Grown, about inspiring California 4-H members, volunteers and alumni.
Can I join any time?
YES! You can join 4-H any time of the year. The 4-H program year starts in July and ends in June. During the program year, you can join different 4-H programs, such as 4-H camp, SPIN clubs and statewide events, which may start and end at different times of the year.
Please note that in order to show an animal at a county fair, there will be an enrollment deadline to meet fair qualifications. California has county fairs all year long; please check with your 4-H county office for county fair enrollment deadlines.
How long is a 4-H membership good for?
Your membership is renewable every year in July. Your membership includes your choice of 4-H projects and activities throughout the 4-H year (July to June).
How can I find out more about 4-H?
Your first contact is your club and county 4-H office. They can keep you updated on what's happening in your club and county. We also have a CA 4-H Resource Center website for 4-H Members, families and volunteers. This website gets updated regularly to give you the latest resources and information about 4-H Projects, trainings, and opportunities available for California 4-H’ers. Please bookmark it so you can search it whenever you have a question about 4-H. Go to California 4-H Resource Center.