4-H Youth Development

Enrollment Information

As the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension System of land-grant universities, 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, empowering six million young people throughout the United States. Cooperative Extension of 1862 and 1890  land-grant universities provide the leadership to engage young people in 4-H in all 3,007 counties of the United States.

4-H'ers 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-H'ers 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 Howard County, there is always something to do in Howard County 4-H.

Please click on the Club Information link to find specific information about joining a club and the 4-H clubs in Howard County.

To join the Howard County 4-H program, you will need to complete the online enrollment process.  Please keep in mind that we ask potential members to attend at least one 4-H meeting prior to enrolling in the online system.  

Current re-enrollment for the 2024 is currently open and the link to register is https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in.

4-H Sheep and Goat Workshop - Feb 15th

Howard County 4-H is hosting a 4-H Sheep and Goat Workshop with a focus on market lambs and market goats.  The workshop will be held on Saturday, February 15th at the Howard County Fairgrounds Dining Hall from 9:30-12:30 p.m.  To Register

Topics include:  selection, feed, parasites, and diseases.  We have very knowledgeable presenters scheduled to present at this workshop. 

There will also be a Roundtable opportunity with some of our older, experienced 4-H members.  This will be a great time for them to share tips and tricks that have worked for them.  Participants will also be able to ask questions.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to attend with their 4-Hers as well. 

2024 Essay Question:  How has your involvement in 4-H changed your life?

2024 Special Awards:  We are looking for your support.  We have special awards for the 2024 Howard County Fair in need of sponsorship.  Since we had no awards last year we may have a number of awards that become available.  Please check availability often.