Baltimore County 4-H Youth Development

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

1. Contact Your Local Office: Please contact the Baltimore County 4-H office at 410-887-8090 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 County 4-H Programs and Clubs3. Enroll in 4-H: Once you’ve chosen your club and project, both youth and adults will enroll through 4H Online 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.

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.

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

• Learn about Electronic Records
• Electronic Recordbook Walkthrough Video
• Clover Memory Book Information

• Glossary of Record Book Keeping

• WHAT is considered Communication?

• LIFE SKILL Wheel

Animal Science Project Records

• 4-H Large Animal Breeding Project Record 
• 4-H Market Livestock Project Record - 
• 4-H Poultry Project Record 
• 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Project Record
• 4-H Horse Project Record 
• 4-H Dog Project Record
• 4-H Small Pet Project Record
• 4-H Dairy Project Record

Youth Project Records 

Youth Project Records, Record Books provide 4-Hers with opportunities to learn to keep records, evaluate their past accomplishments, and organize their thoughts.

Youth are recognized for goal achievements, leadership roles in local club or county/city activities, and community service projects they have been involved in.  

• Maryland 4-H Summary Project Form
• Maryland 4-H General Project Record

Senior Portfolio

The Maryland 4-H Program is proud to offer senior 4-H members the opportunity to participate in Leadership Trips at the National Level. All enrolled and dues-paying club members ages 14-18 (as of January 1st, the year the trip takes place) from all counties and Baltimore City are eligible to submit an application and portfolio packet (see instructions below) for any of the following national leadership trips.

To be considered for a Leadership Trip, a 4-H member must complete a portfolio package including an application, 4-H resume, essay, and interview.

Senior Portfolio Info

• Overview of Portfolio Process
• Jazzing up your Resume
• Interview Etiquette
• Preparing 4-H'ers for Interview Success

• 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