Join 4-H

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.

Club Information

The Howard County 4-H Program has a wide variety of clubs that meet in various locations across the county.  The traditional age 4-H clubs are for youth between the ages of 8-18 as of January 1st.  Clover 4-H clubs offer programming to youth between the ages of 5-7 as of January 1st.

How to find a club?

It is recommended that you contact the club leader to let them know you would like to attend their next meeting and to verify the meeting date, time and place.

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.  The club organizational leader will have all of the necessary paperwork that needs to be completed to join 4-H.  A youth needs to attend a club meeting in order to join the Howard County 4-H program.

Youth can join 4-H anytime during the year, however, if they would like to participate in the Howard County Fair, they need to be enrolled as a member by June 1st of the current year.

If you have any questions please contact, 4-H Administrative Assistant at 410-313-2707.

View club information - Club Name, Contact, Email and Location and Day