4H and Youth Development

For the health and safety of our 4-H team and families, the University of Maryland Extension- 4-H Program will suspend in-person summer 4-H events, practices, club meetings, and programs through July 31st. We will continue to re-evaluate this timeframe as additional guidance is released related to group size, social distance guidelines, and other public health directives. Additionally, we regret to share that 2020 4-H summer camps have been suspended. We realize this will bring many mixed emotions as these opportunities are deeply rooted in our 4-H history and are experiences many of us look forward to each year. Maryland 4-H will continue to identify creative ways to keep our youth and volunteers engaged and supported through the summer.

Our state and local 4-H offices are working diligently to make adjustments to planned programs and will continue to keep you posted on cancellations, postponements, and/or new virtual opportunities for our summer programs. Currently, our 4-H faculty and staff are continuing to telework through May. If you have questions or concerns in the meantime, please contact your local or state office via email: https://agnr.umd.edu/about/directory

We know that changes to summer program plans may cause disappointment and even hardship for some of our families and 4-H team members. However, we must prioritize safety, health, and program quality above all other outcomes. We are currently reviewing guidance from key officials and stakeholders to make decisions on the remainder of our summer programs, which includes 4-H participation in fairs. We are looking to announce final decisions by mid May. In the meantime, we ask that families continue to prepare for the possibility that the remainder of 4-H in-person summer programs and events may be postponed, adjusted or cancelled.

4-H will continue to be a staple in communities across our state and country. We will still bring youth and families together this summer to build friendships, learn new skills, explore nature, and demonstrate mastery of new skills --even if this is done in new ways. 4-H will continue to make our best, better! Stay safe and healthy and we look forward to the time we can gather in person again.

Follow us on our various platforms:

Facebook: @Maryland4H

Twitter: @Maryland4H

Instagram:@Maryland4-H

YouTube: Maryland 4-H

Website: https://extension.umd.edu/4-h

Most folks only know about all the great crafts, cakes, and animals that 4-H members exhibit at The Great Frederick Fair.  BUT . . . There's SO MUCH MORE!

 

4-Hers belong to 4-H Clubs that meet in local communities.  University of Maryland Extension Volunteers help youth learn life skills to become caring, competent and responsible individuals through club work, community service, and 4-H project curriculum.  4-H members work with their club leaders to develop their educational plans for each year.  These plans might include community service projects, speakers, field trips, or learning activities.

 

4-Hers participate in county-wide programs organized by volunteers and University of Maryland Extension faculty.  These programs include activities such as fashion shows, camps, public speaking contests, workshops, and more.  With so many community clubs and specialty clubs in Frederick County, there is always something to do in Frederick County 4-H. 

Finding a Club

Click on the Clubs link on the left hand sidebar and check out the map to see where clubs are located.  Click on the club name listed below the map to see that particular club’s page and to find out where they meet and when.  Contact the club leader to let them know you would like to attend their next meeting and verify the meeting date, time and place to be sure there hasn’t been a change or that they haven’t rescheduled their meeting for that month.

Visit a few club meetings from different clubs to help you decide which club seems like a good club for you/your child.  When you are ready to join, talk with the club leader about joining their club and what project would be good for you/your child.  You/your child will need a Primary Club as their ‘home club’.  You/your child can also be a member of other clubs as secondary clubs.

You can enroll in 4-H through the join 4-H link located below as long as you have found a club to be active in and have a project in mind.  The 4HOnline system won't allow you complete your enrollment without these requirements.  Enrollment is open Mid-January through May 1st.

Check out the New Members webpage for more information about what paperwork is needed once you become a member, animal project information and annual special events.  Don’t forget to read our latest Newsletter for added information on events and what the different 4-H Clubs have been doing!

If you have any questions contact Jennie in the 4-H Office 301-600-1589.