Baltimore City 4-H Youth Development

Take these simple steps to join your local 4-H club.

1. Contact Your Local Office: Please contact the Baltimore City 4-H office at 301-226-7410 or email alewis17@umd.edu to obtain an information packet about our 4-H Youth Development Program. 

2. Find a Local Club: Once you’ve connected with your local county extension office, the next step is choosing a 4-H club that fits your interests or location. When you find a club that feels like a good fit, reach out directly to learn more about their meeting schedule, focus areas, and eligibility requirements. 

Baltimore 4-H Programs and Clubs3. Enroll in 4-H: Once you’ve chosen your club and project, both youth and adults will enroll through 4HOnline to be considered active members of Maryland 4-H. Active enrollment is required to participate in meetings, events, contests, and all other 4-H activities. To stay involved, youth members and adult volunteers must re-enroll annually. 

Enroll in 4-H    

Refer to the 4-H Online family guides or contact your local county extension office with questions.

Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering with Baltimore City 4-H! Please follow the directions in the guides below.

Volunteer Forms

• Returning Volunteer Enrollment
• New Volunteer Enrollment
• Episodic Volunteer Enrollment

Next, enroll or re-enroll online:

 4HOnline

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

In Baltimore City, 4-H programming began in 1970 with a pilot effort, and a full program began in 1972. The first club organized was the Friendship Club that operated through the YWCA. Sewing and Nutrition were the initial program emphasis of 4-H in Baltimore. Sewing was the primary project area of the girls' Friendship Club. The first club in public housing was established in the Lafayette Courts Project, and its project area included gardening, community service, and child care. 

Currently, Baltimore City 4-H’s program components include Leadership Development and Youth/Adult Partnerships. Public Speaking, Entrepreneurship, Volunteer Training, Science, Community Gardening, Gleaning, Technology/Robotics, Photography, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition Education, Career Exploration, Workforce/College Readiness, and Clovers (5-7).

• 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 webpage

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