Is 4-H Only About Animals? No Way!
You don’t need to own an animal—or even live on a farm—to be in 4-H!
4-H is a youth development program that offers more activities than you can imagine. Youth from rural, suburban, and urban areas participate in a wide variety of hands-on projects that go far beyond livestock.
In addition to small and large animal projects, 4-H offers opportunities in:
- Leadership
- Gardening & Nutrition
- Baking & Cooking
- Food Preservation
- Dog Care & Training
- Sewing, Arts & Crafts
- Woodworking
- Shooting Sports
- Public Speaking
- Marine Biology, Zoology, and more!
Please note: Project offerings may vary from year to year and club to club depending on available volunteer support in each content area.
Explore the different projects available and find what excites you!
Who Can Join?
In Merced County, youth ages 5–19 are eligible to join 4-H as Mini Members (ages 5–8) or Regular Members (ages 9–19).
4-H members take part in:
- Club meetings
- County events and contests
- Projects and exhibits
- Summer and winter camps
- International exchange programs
- Scholarships
- Leadership opportunities, and more!
Did you know? Youth can be involved in both 4-H and FFA. Participation in one does not exclude involvement in the other, as long as they follow the guidelines set by each program and fair rules.
Why Join 4-H?
Many teens become youth leaders, mentoring younger members and helping new families get involved. 4-H encourages a positive attitude, a willingness to try new things, and a spirit of community service—all while having fun and learning by doing.
Enrollment & Program Year
4-H members enroll annually, typically between August and October, depending on the club. The 4-H program year runs from July 1 through June 30.
In Merced County, members must be fully enrolled and approved by December 31st to be eligible to exhibit at the fair.
Families can explore 4-H through local clubs or countywide activities, allowing flexibility to match different interests and schedules.
Costs for 4-H
The current enrollment fee is $70.00 per member for the 4-H year. This required state fee includes accident insurance coverage for participation in 4-H meetings, events, and activities.
Additional costs vary depending on the types of projects and the number of activities a member chooses to participate in. These may differ from club to club and project to project. Local 4-H leaders can provide guidance at the beginning of the year regarding expected project costs.
4-H Mission
The mission of 4-H is to help young people develop their potential. This is done by encouraging them to participate in practical real-life experiences. As a result of this involvement, they should be better able to lead satisfying lives as responsible, self directing, members of society.
The 4-H Clover
The 4-H Emblem is a four leaf clover that has an "H" on each leaf, representing Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
The clover is green to symbolize growth and youth, and the white color of the H's represents sincerity and honesty.
The clover was adopted in 1909. National 4-H has a policy about the proper use of the clover to help preserve its special character.
The 4-H Creed
- I believe in 4-H Club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a useful citizen.
- I believe in the training of my HEAD for the power it will give me to think, to plan, and to reason.
- I believe in the training of my HEART for the nobleness it will give me to be kind, sympathetic, and true.
- I believe in the training of my HANDS for the ability it will give me to helpful, skillful, and useful.
- I believe in the training of my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work efficiently.
- I believe in my country, my state, and my community and in my responsibility for their development.
In all these things I believe, and am willing to dedicate my efforts to their fulfillment.