Garrett County 4-H Youth Development

Garrett County 4-H has 18 community clubs located throughout the county.  Youth ages 8-18 may join as regular members, and those ages 5-7 may join as clover members.  Each member chooses the project areas that interest them.  Members can choose from over 200 projects.  Each club is asked to plan educational events, recreational activities, community service projects, and may do some fundraising activities.  In addition, our office coordinates a series of county-wide events.

Please contact the Garrett County 4-H office at 301-334-6960 to obtain an information packet about our 4-H Youth Development Program.

Garrett County 4-H Club Locations

4-H Volunteers are a key component of the 4-H program, which focuses on citizenship, leadership, and life skills development using a "learn-by-doing" educational model.  Each volunteer brings knowledge, experience, and skills that can be taught to 4-H youth and shared with the program. No matter your background or expertise, you can join the 4-H community.  As a parent, a project leader, or in any other leadership capacity, you can offer your unique talents and perspectives.  

You decide the level of involvement that fits your skills and schedule. As a 4-H volunteer, you could:

• Lead community clubs, school-based or after-school programs, and camp settings
• Serve as a chaperone, board member, event judge, or camp counselor
• Create community service opportunities for youth in your area
• Work with other adults to create fun and exciting programs

Volunteer certification provides you with liability protection while serving as a 4-H volunteer.

UME 4-H Volunteer Process

To become a Certified UME 4-H Volunteer, contact the local 4-H Educator. All volunteers must be onboarded through our local 4-H Program. The onboarding/ certification process includes:

• an application
• reference and background check
• new volunteer orientation (online and in-person options available)
• interview with local 4-H Educator 
• appointment paperwork (appointment agreement, position description, and code of conduct)
• Additional training may be required depending on the volunteer role.

Volunteer Resources

• 4-H Volunteer Handbook  
• New 4-H Volunteers
• Returning 4-H Volunteers 
• Episodic 4-H Volunteers
• 4-H Online Guides 

To register as a 4-H volunteer, visit

4-H Online Enrollment Page

Contact the office at 301-334-6960 for questions regarding the 4-H Online enrollment process.

Garrett County 4-H Forms

• 4-H Member Policies
• Get Involved with Maryland 4-H
• Volunteer with 4-H
• Join a 4-H Club in Maryland
• Forms & Resources
• Maryland 4-H Calendar
• 4-H State Webpage
• 4-H Online Enrollment Page
• 4-H Online Guides
• 4-H Foundation

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 Program Areas

• Agriculture Education & Animal Sciences
• Career Readiness and Academic Pathways
• Environmental Sciences
• Health and Well-being
• International Programs
• Maryland 4-H Environmental Education & Camping Center
• Military Programs
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
• Youth & Adult Leadership

4-H Curricula

4-H Partyline

This monthly 4-H newsletter features upcoming events and opportunities within 4-H not only in Garrett County but in the entire state of Maryland. We also highlight all the achievements of our local 4-H members and volunteers. Our newsletters are sent via email and regular mail. Please get in touch with our office if you would like items included in our newsletter.

4-H Partyline

4-H Club Newsletters

Garrett County 4-H publishes club news spotlighting clubs' past events and achievements, and highlighting upcoming events.   The 4-H program appreciates the effort made by 4-H clubs and club reporters make to submit club news for the area newspaper and the 4-H We're. We’re always looking to share great 4-H news!

Please send your 4-H Club News to Roberta Cvetnick via email: rcvetnic@umd.edu.

4-H Club Newsletters