Charles 4-H

4-H Youth Development in Charles County

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, empowering young people to lead, learn, and serve. The University of Maryland Extension’s 4-H program helps youth ages 5-18 reach their fullest potential through research-backed, hands-on learning experiences that build life skills, leadership, confidence, and meaningful connections to their communities. In Allegany County, youth participate in 4-H through volunteer-led clubs, school and after-school programs, and community events. Maryland 4-H programs vary by county and may be offered through clubs, camps, after-school programs, fairs, school partnerships, and community organizations. Contact our office for more information about 4-H youth programs available in Charles County.

About 4-H    Enroll in 4-H    Maryland 4-H Calendar

Join Charles County 4-H

Who Can Join? 4-H is open to all youth ages 8 to 18, regardless of background or experience. Cloverbud programs are available for ages 5–7, and are non-competitive. 

How do I Join? Our 4-H enrollment year runs from January through December. To get started, simply enroll online through the 4-H Online member management system.

Need Help Enrolling?

UME's 4-H Online Family Enrollment Guides are available to help you create member profiles and enroll in 4-H using the 4-H Online system. 

For additional information or assistance, contact Donna Mohler at dmohler@umd.edu.

4-H Program Areas

Maryland 4-H Program Areas

Support 4-H

Ways to Support Charles County 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"

4-H National Council   Maryland 4-H Calendar

Events & Newsletters

Charles County 4-H Events Calendar & Newsletters

4-H Clubs in Charles County

Calvary- meets in Waldorf

Country Clovers - meets in Bel Alton

Creative Critters - meets in Waldorf

Farmers Fortune - meets in Chapel Point

Horsemasters - meets in La Plata

Hot Shots - meets in Newburg

Little Rascals - meets in Nanjemoy

Rabbit Club - meets in Dentsville

Rebels - meets in Hughesville

Charles 4-H Animal Science Projects

Forms & Resources

Charles County Record Books

Enroll in 4-H 

Volunteer with 4-H

UME Volunteers are adult volunteers trained by UME, Charles County, to work with 4-H youth. Club leaders are responsible for the organization and management of the club. Project leaders help 4-H members learn through involvement in a specific 4-H project. Activity leaders help 4-H members learn through involvement in activities.

Interested in sharing your skills and abilities with4-H'ers in different program areas? Consider becoming a 4-H volunteer! 

To become a 4-H volunteer, you must have;

  1. Completed the Volunteer packet in 4-H Online 

    1. Application
    2. References
    3. Position/job description
    4. Confidentiality statement
    5. Appointment agreement

  2. Attended Volunteer Training at the Charles County 4-H office. 

  3. Completed an interview and have been appointed. 

4-H  Adult Volunteer Enrollment Guide

Please Note: You are only required to complete the volunteer packet and training process the first year you become a volunteer. Continuing volunteers must submit an online enrollment each year.

If you have more specific questions about the training or next steps, please reach out to Donna Mohler (dmohler@umd.edu), who manages the onboarding process through 4-H Online. 

STEM in Charles County

Charles County 4-H offers different programming in STEM areas, including robotics, environmental sciences, and other related areas, providing an opportunity for youth to participate in two exciting robotics challenges: the LEGO Robotics Challenge and the Robotics Engineering Challenge (REC). 

The REC uses VEX Robotics and is a more advanced platform designed to strengthen students' skills in engineering and coding—ideal for older youth with prior experience. Meanwhile, the LEGO Robotics Challenge is a fantastic, hands-on introduction to robotics for younger participants. Youth will work closely with coaches to design, build, and program a robot tailored to their specific challenge. 

To be eligible for participation, youth must be registered in 4-H Online and be between the ages of 8 and 18 as of January 1, 2026. In addition, a $20 registration fee, along with a completed registration form and signed liability form, must be submitted to the 4-H office.

Download the 2026 Charles County 4-H Robotics Calendar

For more information about Robotics, contact Mikayla Johnson (mdiane@umd.edu).

Maryland 4-H Resources

University of Maryland Extension's 4-H resources are free and support hands-on learning in STEM, agriculture, leadership, healthy living, and civic engagement. Discover educational materials, guides, and project publications designed for 4-H youth, parents, educators, and club leaders.  Explore all 4-H resources.

More Charles County Extension Programs