4-H Youth Development in Sample County

4-H Youth Development is the positive youth development program of the University of Maryland Extension. Youth participate in hands-on learning experiences that build life skills, leadership, confidence, and connections to their communities.

Programs are offered through clubs, camps, after-school programs, fairs, school partnerships, and community activities. Adult volunteers and youth development professionals help create safe, supportive learning environments where young people can explore interests and develop new skills. Learn more.

Get Involved in 4-H

Sample County 4-H Programs

County 4-H programs may vary by location. Contact our Extension office for information about clubs, camps, volunteer opportunities, and youth programs available in the county.

4-H Areas of Focus

Career Readiness and Academic Pathways

Activities that support career awareness, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, leadership, and preparation for college, work, and life.

Food Availability for the Future

Education about agriculture, animal science, food systems, and workforce preparation for the agricultural sector.

Youth Health and Well-being

Programs that support physical, mental, and emotional health and encourage healthy decision-making.

STEM Competencies

Hands-on learning in robotics, computer science, engineering, technology, and problem-solving.

Learn More About Maryland 4-H

4-H Program Opportunities

  • 4-H clubs and project groups
  • Summer camps and day camps
  • After-school and school enrichment programs
  • STEM activities and competitions
  • Leadership and civic engagement experiences
  • Animal science, agriculture, and environmental education

How to Join 4-H

Take these four simple steps to join your local 4-H club.

  1. Contact Your Local Office- Each county tailors its 4-H programming to meet the unique needs of its community, so that enrollment details may differ from place to place. To find out what’s available near you, the best first step is to reach out to your local county extension office. Whether you prefer to call, email, or stop by in person, your county office is ready to help you get started. 

    Find My Maryland Extension Office

     

  2. Find a Local Club- Once you’ve connected with your local county extension office, the next step is choosing a 4-H club that fits your interests or location. A 4-H Club is a group of at least five youth from three different families who meet regularly with adult volunteers or staff to participate in hands-on, educational experiences that grow over time. Most counties list club contact information on their county 4-H website. When you find a club that feels like a good fit, reach out directly to learn more about their meeting schedule, focus areas, and eligibility requirements. Depending on the club, you may need to call, email, or attend a in-person meeting to join and pay any applicable fees officially.

     

  3. Choose A Project- In 4-H, a project is the hands-on activity you choose to explore. It’s your chance to learn by doing, guided by helpful resources, dedicated volunteers, and your local county extension office. There are opportunities like community service, leadership, and contests that can be associated with your project. All youth members must enroll in at least one project. Check out the project list to find what interests you.

    Tips for choosing a project:

    1. Select a project (or projects) you like.
    2. Consider the money and time it will take - can parents/guardians help?
    3. Consider the space and equipment that you have at home.
    4. A 4-H project should be fun, serve a purpose, and be worth the effort.
    5. Select only the number of projects you can complete.

    6. Contact your local county club to see which projects are already offered in your area. 

       

  4. Enroll in 4-H - Once you’ve chosen your club and project, it’s time to make it official! Both youth and adults will enroll through 4HOnline to be considered active members of Maryland 4-H. Active enrollment is required to participate in meetings, events, contests, and all other 4-H activities. To stay involved, youth members and adult volunteers must re-enroll annually. The 4HOnline family guides to help you get enrolled. Please contact your local county extension office if you have any questions.

4-H Online Enrollment

Maryland 4-H uses an online member management system called 4-H Online. These guides have been prepared to assist families in creating member profiles and enrolling in 4-H using the 4-H Online system. 

4-H Online - Youth & Cloverbuds

4-H Online - Returning 4-H Volunteers

4-H Online - New 4-H Volunteer Applicants   

To enroll or re-enroll: 4-H Online

4-H Online Forms

Questions? Contact the 4-H team at 301-600-1595 or erkline@umd.edu.

4-H Mission + Values

Maryland 4-H Mission

The Maryland 4-H Youth Development Program provides a supportive and inclusive setting for all youth to reach their fullest potential in a diverse society. Youth learn beneficial and cognitive life skills through community-focused, research-based experiential education programs.

Maryland 4-H Vision

Maryland 4-H aspires to be a recognized leading youth development program that inspires youth and adults to learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change.

The Four Hs

Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four Hs in 4‑H. These values guide the programs that help young people learn, grow, and contribute to their communities.   Through life‑changing 4‑H experiences, nearly six million young people nationwide have taken on important issues such as community health inequities, civil discourse, and advocacy for equity and inclusion.

The 4-H Pledge

"I Pledge my Head to clearer thinking,
my Heart to greater loyalty,
my Hands to larger service,
and my Health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world."

 Motto

"To Make The Best Better"

Meet UME's 4-H Faculty and Staff

4-H Curricula

AGsploration

AGsploration

AGsploration: The Science of Maryland Agriculture is a statewide curriculum designed to increase middle school student agriculture literacy and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills. Learn more. 

Babysitting 101

Babysitting 101

Babysitting/Entrepreneurship 101 is a six-hour course that provides participants with all the tools needed to establish a trustworthy professional babysitting business with leadership skills to promote in diverse communities. Educators of all experience levels will find the materials easy to adapt and utilize. Learn more. 

Career AGsperience

Career AGsperience

Career AGsperience is an agriculture career literacy program designed to increase participants’ knowledge base related to agriculture careers and preparation for careers in animal science, environmental science, agri-business and leadership, and agriculture science and technology. The curriculum includes six lessons related to agriculture careers, career planning, resume development, internship acquisition, interviewing skills, and business etiquette. Learn more.

Teen Corps

Teen Corps

Teen Corps began as a citywide collaborative between 4-H members and adult leaders, agencies, and community stakeholders who partner to strengthen communities, and increase leadership opportunities for youth from age twelve to age eighteen. Learn more.

Learn More about Maryland 4-H Curricula

4-H Forms, Resources, + Record Books

Find a 4-H Near You

UME 4-H Forms + Resources

4-H Newsletters

Officer Resources

4-H Youth Forms and Resources

4-H Record Books

The primary purposes of completing a record book are for a young person to develop the skills necessary to set goals and reflect on their 4-H experiences. Another important benefit is to prepare our Queen Anne's County 4-Her's for the process of completing both collegiate scholarship and job applications. Use the Record Books below to create a high-quality Record Book.

Species Specific Project Records:

4-H Volunteer & Scholarship Information

Become a 4-H Volunteer

4-H Volunteers are a key component of the 4-H program, which focuses on citizenship, leadership, and life skills development using a "learn-by-doing" educational model. With each volunteer comes knowledge, experiences, and skills taught to 4-H youth and shared with the 4-H program.

No matter your background or expertise, you can join the 4-H community.  As a parent, a project leader, or any other leadership capacity, you can offer your unique talents and perspectives. You decide the level of involvement that fits your skills and schedule, such as:

  • Lead community clubs, school-based or after-school programs, and camp settings
  • Serve as a chaperone, board member, event judge, or camp counselor
  • Create community service opportunities for youth in your area
  • Work with other adults to create fun and exciting programs

What are the steps to becoming a 4-H volunteer?

Whether you have an hour or a year to give, 4-H has an opportunity for you! To become a 4-H volunteer, find the 4-H program nearest you by contacting your local 4-H office by phone, email, or in person to learn how to make a positive impact in your community.

Learn More about Volunteering with 4-H

4-H Volunteer Resources + Links

4-H Scholarships & Application Guidelines

Scholarships are available to Senior 4-H Members. Please note that rules, requirements, and deadlines vary for each scholarship.

Learn about 4-H youth development.

4-H Resources

About the University of Maryland Extension

UME faculty and staff are here to provide resources and solutions in the areas of agriculture and food, the environment, home horticulture, financial education, stress management, and youth development. Explore all UME programs.
 

Find Your Local Extension Office