There are many ways to participate in 4-H
You can join different kinds of 4-H programs to participate in 4-H - you are not limited to just one! You have choices in how you want to participate and the projects you will explore.
The main types of 4-H programs that you can join are clubs, camps and enrichment programs (also referred to as "units"). Each county offers different 4-H programs, so please check with your University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) office about what is available. You sign up through your county 4-H office.
If you would like your county 4-H office to contact you, please fill out the 4-H Interest Form.
4-H Clubs
We have active 4-H clubs in every county in California. Joining a club allows you to experience different types of projects.
Community Club
- Open to everyone in the community to join and volunteer year-round.
- Club meetings and activities are held locally for the club members.
- Each club can offer different project throughout the 4-H year.
- Leadership activities are integrated in the club, such as club officers and public speaking.
Special Interest (SPIN) Club
- SPIN Clubs meet for a limited time period to focus on learning experiences in a Special Interest project or topic.
- SPIN Clubs meet up to 6 weeks for a minimum of 6 hours of instruction.
- SPIN Clubs are open to youth new to 4-H and also to youth who are already enrolled in a 4-H club.
After school Club
- 4-H After School Clubs often coordinate with the after school provider at the school.
- Club and Project meetings are usually held during the school year, as a separate track from the after school program's activities. Students can participate in the program provided by the after school provider for the days not used for 4-H club activities.
- Enrollment is limited to students enrolled in the afterschool program at the school.
- Volunteers can come from the community or the school.
In-school Club
- Club and Project meetings are typically held at the school during the school year.
- Limited to students in the school to join.
- Volunteers can come from the community or the school.
Military Club
Through the 4-H Military Partnership Program, enlisted personnel are trained as 4-H Adult Volunteers to manage the club and its activities on select military bases. Enrollment is limited to youth whose parents are stationed at the base.
4-H Camps
Overnight Camps
4-H overnight camps are hosted at various locations in California. Campers spend up to a week at a camp, with activities during the day and evenings.
Day Camps
4-H Day camps are hosted during the day only during school break times. Campers have daily activities and short term projects.
Enrichment Programs
In addition to clubs and camps, you can join 4-H to participate in state and national conferences and webinars.
Through 4-H School Enrichment Programs, teachers and after school providers can partner with 4-H to deliver 4-H curriculum, such as the 4-H Embryology program. The 4-H curriculum is delivered under the supervision of the school or after school program.
Teens as Teachers projects
Through "Teens as Teachers" projects, 4-H teens and adults deliver 4-H curriculum on science and nutrition education. Both Teen Teachers and the youth they connect with benefit from this peer-to-peer learning experience.
These projects are delivered through partnerships with schools, afterschool providers and UC ANR nutrition education programs working with low income communities: EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) and CalFresh Healthy Living, UC.
State Events
California 4-H hosts events at the state level to give you opportunities to connect with youth outside of your club and county. Statewide events include State Field Day and the State Leadership Conference. At State Field Day, we host some competitions that don’t require you to be enrolled in a project to participate. Part of the goal of these state contests is to introduce a project that you may not have available in your county, but that you’re still interested in. This has sparked counties to start new projects! We also host statewide webinars that you can sign up for to connect with youth from across the state as you learn together.
National Conferences
You can sign up to participate in national 4-H conferences, usually hosted in Washington, DC. Attending a national conference gives you the opportunity to meet 4-H'ers from across the country as you learn together. The national conferences help build skills in leadership, career exploration, and civic engagement.
Learn more about State and National events on our Event page.
Can I sign up for fairs and competitions?
You participate in fairs and competitions as part of your 4-H club and project. California fairs are organized and run independently of the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. Each fair sets their own rules and guidelines. 4-H clubs participate in fairs in accordance with fair guidelines and within 4-H policy guidelines.