Dorchester 4-H

4-H Youth Development in Dorchester 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. Maryland 4-H programs vary by county and may be offered through clubs, camps, after-school programs, fairs, school partnerships, and community organizations. 

In Dorchester County,  4-H members choose from a variety of projects including public speaking, leadership, community service, visual arts, food and nutrition, sewing, photography, animals, gardening, science/technology, and others. Contact our office for more information about 4-H youth programs available in our county.

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

4-H in Dorchester County

What is 4-H?

4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States with over 7 million participants. 4-H is best identified by its green four-leaf clover with an H on each leaf. The four Hs on the emblem stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H is the only youth organization based within the land-grant university system, and the first experience many youths have with higher education. Learn more.

Dorchester 4-H FAQs

4-H in Dorchester County

The Dorchester County 4-H program is the youth development program of the University of Maryland Extension. The program has a variety of delivery modes based on a volunteer effort of both adults and teens. Youth may participate in special interest groups, after-school programs, or organized community clubs in various subject areas. 

Find Your Local 4-H Club

4-H programs focus on creating opportunities for youth to develop the Essential Elements needed to become competent, caring adults: Belonging, Independence, Generosity, and Mastery. 4-H includes hands-on activities, project work, community events, and competitive activities. Together, 4-H members and volunteers participate in fun, hands-on, research-based activities supported by a national Extension system.

Subscribe to the Events Calendar Find Us on Facebook

4-H Clubs

Dorchester County 4-H offers life-skill-building opportunities for all youth ages 5-18 (as of January 1 of the current year). Many of these opportunities and experiences begin at the club level. 

Find a Dorchester County 4-H 

Our current active clubs focus on projects such as environmental science, horse, shooting sports, etc. New clubs will be forming in the near future. If you have an interest not covered by a current 4-H club, contact the UME Office to see about other potential opportunities for youth and volunteers.

4-H clubs usually meet monthly (once or twice per month) to provide an ongoing project learning experience. 4-H clubs offer experiential learning opportunities to develop and practice skills through enrollment in 4-H projects, community service, and club events and activities. Youth will learn how to keep records, how to speak in front of others, how to give back to the community through volunteering efforts, and build vital life skills such as responsibility and leadership.

Volunteer with 4-H

4-H clubs are led by UME trained adult volunteers. Volunteers are always welcome! Let us know your interests, and we'll help you get to work mentoring young people as they learn new project information and develop skills for success in life.

4H Volunteer instructions

Learn how to volunteer

4-H Delivery Modes & Involvement Types

Dorchester County 4-H is administered through various delivery modes, including 4-H clubs, afterschool programs, special interest groups/programs, and in-school enrichment programs. These  4-H delivery modes open up new and exciting opportunities for both youth and volunteers to:

  • Enhance leadership skills
  • Improve communication skills
  • Meet and make new friends 
  • Become involved in their communities
  • Improve personal growth and development
  • Have fun in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment

Youth can experience 4-H by becoming a member of a 4-H club, attending a 4-H camp, or joining school-based or after-school 4-H programs. 4-Hers can compete with their projects in contests at the local, state, regional or national levels and also attend conferences and events.

Contact us to find out how to join!

4-H for Teachers & Schools

Dorchester County 4-H in Schools

County Fair Information

Information for entering the county and state fairs:

Forms & Resources

Enroll in 4-H 

Explore 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 Dorchester County Extension Programs