How do I Enroll my Child in 4-H?
Before enrolling, youth and parents are encouraged to contact and visit 4-H clubs to decide which to join. Enroll in the St. Mary's County 4-H program online at 4-H Online 2.0.
New families must first set up a "Family" account, then add each individual member. Please be sure to keep your password in a safe place for re-enrolling each year. There is a $10 Annual Participation fee for 4-H members ages 5-18, which is paid online at the time of enrollment. After you enroll through the online system, we will email you a link to pay the enrollment fee. Once the fee is paid, the youth will be officially enrolled in the St. Mary's County 4-H Program. If you have questions, please contact our office at 301-475-4484.
Who May Belong to 4-H?
- 4-H is an educational organization for boys and girls who must be at least eight years old and not have passed their 19th birthday by January 1 of the current year. It is open to all youth regardless of race, color, sex, handicap, religion, age, or national origin.
Who's in Charge of 4-H?
- The University of Maryland Extension sponsors 4-H throughout Maryland Extension. Nationally, it is a part of the Extension Service in the United States Department of Agriculture. Locally, 4-H Extension Educators in the St. Mary's County Office of the University of Maryland Extension are responsible, supported, in part, by the St. Mary's County Government.
Why Do Kids Like 4-H?
- They have fun with their friends — meetings, social activities, tours, camps, and fairs. They learn to do interesting things— take care of raising animals and plants, redecorate their rooms, fix a bike, take pictures, or learn to cook.
What Do the H's Stand For?
- HEAD, HEART, HANDS, AND HEALTH--4-H members 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"
What is a 4-H Emblem?
- The official 4-H emblem is a green, four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each clover leaf. It is copyrighted and may be used only with 4-H approval.
4-H CLUBS AND 4-H MEETINGS
4-H How Often and When Do 4-H Clubs Meet?
- Some clubs meet every week, for a month or two, and some meet once or twice a month all year long. Many clubs meet for an hour or two after school, in the evening, or on a Saturday. It all depends on the club and what they want to do. 4-H Clubs may organize year-round. Sometimes members have to be enrolled in a project by a certain time to be eligible for specific activities.
Where Do 4-H Clubs Meet?
- Any place large enough and convenient for the group's members. Some clubs take turns meeting in members' homes. Some meet in a central place such as a school, church, or community room. Some meet at the leader's home. How Big Should a Club Be? This depends on the members' ages, where they have to meet, and the leadership available. The ideal club is big enough to have fun together but small enough for everybody to feel a part of the group. The average 4-H club is likely has 10 to 20 members.
Who Names the 4-H Club?
- Club members, with their leader's guidance, name the club.
What Do 4-H Club Members Do at Meetings?
- 4-H Club meetings usually have four parts
- Project Work
- Business
- Recreation or Social Activities
- Special Interest Programs
Do They Do All These Things At One Meeting?
- Sometimes, if they have little business to conduct, they may work on their projects and play a game or two. Sometimes the whole meeting will be devoted to one thing. (Example: Everyone will bring their dog and practice obedience, or the entire meeting may be needed to plan a club activity).
Who Plans the Program for the Club?
- Club members of the club plan the program, especially if the club is small. If the club is large, everyone shares ideas,e, and a committee is formed to choose a club program from them.
What About Officers?
- 4-H Clubs may have officers and whatever committees they need to run their own business. 4-H has materials available for Presidents, Vice Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, News Reporters, and Recreation Leaders. The club may have more or fewer officers depending on their needs.
Do 4-H Clubs Have Dues?
- This depends on their need for money. There are no State or National 4-H dues. If the club wants money for some activity, they usually charge dues or conduct fundraising activities. These monies are for club use only. Dues should never be used to keep someone from joining 4-H.
4-H PROJECTS
What are 4-H Projects?
- 4-H Projects are learning experiences for 4-H members. Most projects are available from the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension 4-H Office. Some areas charge a fee to the 4-H members a fee.
What Does a 4-H Project Cost?
- Costs vary, but the projects can be used over three years. A member enrolled in some projects could use items from around the house. A member who buys a camera will need to invest in film for their project. Discuss the cost with members and then select a project. It should be realistic to the family situation. Sometimes clubs find sponsors to help with project costs.
Are 4-H Members Expected to Do Their Own Project Work?
- Yes- with help. 4-H is a "learn by doing" program. Adult leaders, junior leaders, or parents may tell or show a member how, but members are expected to learn how to do things themselves.
What is Project "Completion?"
- Completion means that the 4-H member has met the project requirements and goals they set when they enrolled in a project. Most counties provide some sort of recognition such as pins, ribbons, or monetary awards.
Do 4-H'ers Do Projects Individually or as a Group?
- Both — some projects, such as fishing, are more fun when done in a group. Others, such as making a dress, will be done individually by each member of the group.
