Join 4-H Youth Development

Community clubs

Community clubs are the gold standard of 4-H participation in Delaware, featuring the most benefits, fun and learning opportunities! Youth enroll in projects and participate in group activities and meetings. The club elects officers and plans an educational program of business, community service and learning together. Children must be between the ages of 8 to 19 on January 1 of the program year.

Single project clubs

A single project club is a community club where one single project is the focus. Examples might be livestock or robotics clubs. To join, children must be between the ages of 8 and 19 as of January 1 of the program year.

Family clubs

A family may form a 4-H club in cases where a local 4-H club is not accessible or convenient, or where there is a special topic of interest to the family. Children must be between the ages of 8 and 19 as of January 1 of the program year.

Cloverbuds

The 4-H Cloverbud program introduces children between 5 and 7 years of age to a variety of 4-H experiences.

4-H Afterschool

4-H Afterschool clubs meet during or after school and often focus on a single subject such as computers or arts. Each afterschool program has its own age ranges and enrollment.

Learn more

4-H school enrichment groups

Meeting during school time and using curricula supplied through 4-H, these groups are coordinated by partnerships between Delaware 4-H, Cooperative Extension and school personnel. Children must be in grades K-12 or equivalent to participate. 

What does it cost to be in 4-H?

There are no statewide dues or membership fees for 4-H, but there are some out-of-pocket expenses for participating in 4-H. Dues cannot be used to keep someone out of 4-H.

Expenses might include:

• Project materials and other resources needed to complete a 4-H project
• Club dues/fees: Some clubs charge per-member fees to purchase refreshments, project books, State Fair passes, club t-shirts, supplemental insurance, etc. Please ask your club leader about their fee structure.
• 4-H events and opportunities: Fees are charged for participation in some events and opportunities, including camps, workshops, conferences, trips, etc. Some scholarship money is available to offset these costs. Contact your local county 4-H agent for more information.

What happens at regular club meetings?

At regular club meetings, members usually participate in project work, business meetings, social activities or special interest programs. If there is no business to conduct, members will work on projects for and play a game or two. Sometimes the whole meeting is devoted to one activity such as electing officers, planning a new program, dog obedience training or attending a skating party!

How are club officers selected?

Clubs may have whatever officers and committees they need to run their own business. 4-H has materials available for presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries, treasurers, news reporters, recreation leaders, health and safety chairpeople, as well as song leaders. It is a good idea to wait until the second or third meeting before electing officers to ensure that members know each other before voting.

Who plans programs for the club?

Members of the club plan their own programs. If the club is small, the whole group may assist. If the club is large, ideas come from everyone and a committee will put programs together.

How often do clubs meet?

Some clubs meet every week for a month or two, while some meet once or twice a month, throughout the year. This depends on the group's availability, project goals and what members want to do.

When, where and for how long do clubs meet?

This depends on the group. The most important thing is to have a regular meeting time that members and their families can remember. Many clubs meet for an hour or two after school, in the evening or on Saturdays. Clubs may meet in any place that is convenient and large enough, such as leaders' or members' homes or a central location such as a school, church or community center.

Can I start a new Delaware 4-H club?

You may start a new club with enough interested young people and an adult or two to help! Hold a meeting with any interested children, parents and adults and publicize your club in any place that young people and their parents can be reached (school bulletins, social media, community flyers, etc). Check with your local extension office for additional assistance. 

Who names a club?

The members of the club may name the club with guidance from the adult club leaders.

How big should a club be?

Club size depends on the age of members, where they meet, and the amount of leadership available. The ideal club is big enough to have fun together but small enough for everybody to feel a part of the group. The average club in Delaware is typically 10 to 20 members, with two or three leaders.

What happens at the club's first meeting?

At the first meeting, members should get acquainted with each other and have fun with a group mixer and refreshments! Discuss projects the group might enjoy and decide when, where and how often the club will meet. Be sure to plan ahead and reach out to 4-H agents or leaders for assistance.