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Inyo and Mono Counties

4-H Youth Development Program

The Inyo-Mono 4-H Program is a place where young people grow into leaders, learn by doing, and contribute to their communities.

We proudly embrace the 4-H motto: To make the best better.

Whether you’re looking to explore new skills, meet new friends, or make a difference locally, there’s a place for you here.

4-H Grows Here

Local Contacts

We are located in the Inyo County Consolidated Office Building adjacent to Grocery Outlet in Bishop.

  • Program Representative: Amy Phillips, amyphillips@ucanr.edu (Hours: Tues-Thurs, 9a – 4p)
  • Address: 1360 North Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514 (Map.)
  • Phone: (760) 873-7855.

Links to important topics are listed below.

What Is 4-H?

4‑H is America’s largest positive youth development organization, dedicated to empowering young people to reach their fullest potential through hands‑on, experiential learning. It operates as part of the Cooperative Extension system, administered by the USDA alongside land‑grant universities across the country. California 4‑H, delivered locally through UC Cooperative Extension, shares this mission: providing a high‑quality, safe, and caring environment where youth can grow, learn, and thrive.

4‑H programming is structured around the proven Thriving Model of Positive Youth Development, which emphasizes:

  1. Discovering youth sparks – allowing youth to explore their passions
  2. Creating quality programs – offering inclusive activities
  3. Building supportive relationships – pairing youth with caring mentors
  4. Elevating youth voice and choice – working in strong youth‑adult partnerships

Through this foundation, youth in 4‑H—ranging from ages 5 to 19—develop critical life skills such as leadership, growth mindset, community responsibility, empathy, and confidence. They are twice as likely to report positive wellbeing and competence compared to peers outside the program.

Key Components of 4‑H

  • Hands-on, experiential learning – members complete projects in science, healthy living, citizenship, leadership, agriculture, and STEAM
  • Clubs and programs – options include traditional community clubs, SPIN (Special Interest) clubs, after‑school programs, in‑school clubs, and military‑partnered clubs. We have 4 local community clubs operating, and we can add more!
  • Activities and events – day camps, workshops, and conferences at local, state, and national levels offer deeper learning and leadership experiences; local events such as field days enrich youth project experiences
  • Youth–adult partnerships – adult volunteers guide youth, but members are actively involved in decision‑making and leadership roles
  • School enrichment – the 4-H program engages with local schools and organizations by providing science-based activities in the classroom. (Contact our program for more information.)

Interesting Facts about 4‑H

The 4‑H program has a rich heritage rooted in practical education and positive youth development. Begun in the early 1900s, it has grown into the nation’s leading youth organization, guided by the values captured in its motto: “To make the best better.” In Inyo‑Mono County, our local program first opened its doors in 1955, bringing these time‑tested traditions to our region.

  • 4‑H traces its origins to 1902, when agricultural after‑school clubs like the “Tomato Club” and “Corn Club” began in Clark County, Ohio—initiated by A. B. Graham to improve farming practices among rural youth.
  • The term “4‑H” (for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health) was officially adopted in 1924, alongside the green four‑leaf clover emblem.
  • The Smith‑Lever Act of 1914 formalized 4‑H as part of the Cooperative Extension Service, uniting boys' and girls' clubs under federal support.
  • 4-H Employs a learn-by-doing model
  • In 1913, California saw its first agricultural clubs at UC Davis; by 1928, the “4‑H” name appeared in statewide reports, and by the 1930s over 10,000 youth were engaged in diverse 4‑H projects.
  • From the 1950s, 4‑H expanded to urban areas and broadened its mission from agriculture to include life skills, leadership, STEM, and community engagement.
  • Today, over 6.5 million youth participate across the U.S., making it the largest network of youth development programs in the country.
  • Volunteers play a vital role: more than 540,000 adults support county‑level 4‑H clubs across the nation. Our local program is also volunteer-based, managed by a local program representative and UC Cooperative Extension office personnel.
  • Beyond local clubs, 4‑H has offered international exchange programs since 1948, enabling youth to experience global cultures and build cross‑cultural understanding.
  • 4-H Gives out annual awards and scholarships to its members.
  • The California 4-H year spans July 1 to June 30 each year.
  • No uniform is required for membership, however California 4-H does have a uniform. Most livestock events require this uniform when showing an animal as a 4-Her. 

The 4-H Pledge

I pledge
my HEAD to clearer thinking,
my HEART to greater loyalty,
my HANDS to larger service,
my HEALTH to better living,
for my club, my community, my country and my world.

Who Can Join?

All youth residents of Inyo and Mono counties, ages 5 through 18, can join California 4-H any time; however, most members join during our fall enrollment period that coincides with the beginning of the school year. (Please note that in order to show an animal at a county fair, there will be an enrollment deadline to meet fair qualifications.) 

How to Join Inyo-Mono 4-H

To join Inyo-Mono 4-H you will need to select a community club and at least one project to start with. This page has the current project list which is updated in late summer each year.

The next part of the process is to fill out an application to join. This is normally done using our online enrollment system. There is a $70 fee to join 4-H which covers any number projects and activities. (Some projects such as livestock have additional expenses to participate.) The office will confirm everything is completed and activate the membership.

Projects start throughout the year. When a project begins, the leader or the office will reach out to those who have signed up with details. Please respond promptly whether or not you will participate so that we can plan appropriately. Some projects have size limits so reply quickly!

If you are interested in becoming an Adult 4-H Volunteer, contact us and we'll tell you all about it!

Important Topics

The Inyo-Mono 4‑H Program offers many opportunities for members, families, and volunteers to participate, contribute, and stay informed. To help you navigate key areas of involvement and responsibility, here are links to some important topics you may need to know about: