Updated: June 26, 2026
By Amy Lang , and Kelly Bryant
Header featuring the University of Maryland Extension logo next to the green 4‑H clover and 'Beyond Ready' wordmark, with a red decorative banner running across the bottom.

EBR-2025-0763  |  June 2026

The 4-H Journey: Empowering Youth to Thrive in a World Full of Possibilities

By Amy Lang, 4-H Youth Development Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Queen Anne’s County; and Kelly Bryant, 4-H Youth Development Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Charles County

Person wearing a black bucket hat with a green 4-H clover logo sits at a table indoors, hands clasped together. The person is wearing a black-and-white striped sweater and has shoulder-length hair visible beneath the hat.
Figure 1: A 4-H youth models her 4-H bucket hat during a teen training. Photo by Kelly Bryant, UME.
Person wearing sunglasses, a patterned shirt, and a white vest sits at a table indoors while handling a plastic bag near a paper plate with whipped cream or foam. A beige strap is wrapped around the person’s head. An orange water cooler sits on the table, and shelves, windows, and bags are visible in the background of the open-air building.
Figure 2: A 4-H teen camp counselor enjoying his healthy snack class at camp. Photo by Kelly Bryant, UME.

A great 4-H program helps youth reach their full potential, provides exposure to new experiences, and helps them become more eager to learn, discover, and thrive. Youth involved in 4-H are beyond ready to grow into happy, healthy adults.

4-H programs are made up of youth and adults working together in clubs where adults serve as guides, mentors, and coaches as youth are empowered to explore their interests through club activities and individual projects.

  • Clubs develop Annual Plans guided by youth input and interest.
  • Projects – There is something for everyone in 4-H. Youth are encouraged to engage in a wide variety of projects, including such topics as animal care, robotics, cooking, environmental science, gardening, arts, crafts, and so much more. Club sessions include time for adults to provide check-ins and support for youth projects.
  • Life Skills – 4-H clubs and projects are encouraged to incorporate an element of each of these vital life skills:
    • Public Speaking via speeches or demonstrations at the club, county, and state levels
    • Citizenship experiences, which include ƒ 
      • Community Service (club service activities and Diamond Clover Service Projects) ƒ 
      • Leadership (officer roles in club, county, state, and national settings)
  • Mastery Opportunities Youth demonstrate skills and content they’ve mastered through contests and fair entries.
    • Record Books - Youth are encouraged to set goals and reflect on progress in annual record books.

Youth who participate in high-quality positive youth development are full of hope, eager to learn and discover, making the world a better place through positive actions and relationships.

Contact your local Extension office to begin your 4-H Journey today! 

https://extension.umd.edu/locations/

Screenshot of a virtual meeting showing multiple participants across the top of the screen while one participant shares a close-up view of seedling trays with young green sprouts growing in small compartments. The participant is indoors beneath a chandelier, holding two black planting trays toward the camera.
Figure 3: A 4-H youth shows the plants she is growing with her aquaponics system. Screenshot taken by Jessica Mellon, UME.

How to Begin your 4-H Journey

  1. Contact your local 4-H office – each Maryland county has one. Find your local Maryland 4-H Office. Share a bit about your child and their interests. Ask them to help you identify a club (or clubs) and program offerings that might be a good fit for your child(ren).
  2. Visit the club(s). Meet the leaders and other families. Find a good fit for your family.
  3. Enroll your family in 4-H Online at https://v2.4honline.com/#/landing. Visit the Maryland State 4-H website (https://extension.umd.edu/ programs/4-h-youth-development/families/) for additional information.
  4. Enroll your child(ren) in the club(s) you have chosen via 4-H Online.
  5. Optional – Enroll yourself as a new volunteer (if you like). 4-H does not happen without amazing volunteers. We love your participation.
  6. Help your child attend the club meetings and activities. Encourage them to participate in public speaking and community service events.
  7. Attend the Welcome to 4-H Workshop, if one is hosted by your county office. Learn about the amazing county, state, national, and even international programs your child can enjoy as a part of their 4-H experience. There are so many amazing opportunities in addition to their club.
  8. Take time each month to work on the annual record book. It is a wonderful tool for helping youth reflect on their goals and progress each year.
  9. Take great joy in watching your child grow and thrive through the 4-H positive youth development program.

Contact Your Local Extension Office! 

https://extension.umd.edu/locations/

Download Publication EBR-2025-0763 (PDF)