Join 4-H

Embark on an exhilarating journey with 4-H, a global program captivating the hearts of nearly 6 million young people! Youth can experience 4-H through school and community clubs, in-school and after-school programs, and 4-H camps. 4-H programming focuses on the following program project areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Communication and the Arts, Healthy Living, Leadership and Civic Engagement, and STEM. 4-H welcomes youth from various backgrounds and passions in grades K-12 - Clover Kids (grades K-3) and 4-H Clubs (grades 4-12).

Enrolling in your county's 4-H program may involve an enrollment fee. Please contact your local County Extension Office to find out more. Financial assistance for individual enrollment fees is available through the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

Ready to start your 4-H adventure? Fill out our interest form below or contact your local County Extension Office to learn more about the endless 4-H opportunities.

Interest Form

Join 4-H

4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults. Membership in a 4-H club provides youth opportunities to develop skills and meaningful relationships they will carry with them throughout their lives. 4-H clubs participate in programming in these five program priority areas:

 

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • Healthy Living
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
  • Citizenship and Leadership
  • Communication and the Arts

Who can join 4-H?

4-H is for all youth in grades 4-12. Children in grades K-3 may join Clover Kids, and youth in grades 4-12 may join local clubs. You do not need to live on a farm or be interested in animals to join. Iowa 4-H is for everyone, regardless of where you live or what you want to learn. 

Why should I join 4-H?

 Have fun and try out new experiences

 Meet new people and make life-long friends

 Learn practical life skills by doing projects and participating in activities

 Explore future career opportunities

 Become a leader in your community

How do I get started?

Get joining information by filling out this interested in 4-H form or contact Mitchell County Extension and Outreach. You can also explore potential project areas and programs you may be interested in before reaching out. 

By clicking here, you can view Mitchell County's 4-H Club and Leader list. 

What is there to do?
  • Iowa 4-H offer both short and long-term experiences for youth. Short-term experiences include afterschool programs, camps, school-sponsored activities, conferences, and other events. Long-term experiences include learning communities such as county 4-H clubs.
  • Youth can participate in project areas or 4-H exhibits. Project areas are broad topics you can learn and explore, and 4-H exhibits are things you make or do to share what you've learned. 
How much time should I expect to spend doing 4-H activities?

As much as you want! If you are a member of a 4-H club, you would normally attend a monthly meeting that lasts about 1 hour. Depending on your project area, many youth spend at least a few hours plus whatever time you spend learning on your own or in small groups about projects that are interesting to you.

Does it cost anything?
  • For youth enrolled in a 4-H club, there is a yearly $40 development fee. For the 2023-2024 4-H year, Mitchell County has various donors that have decided to donate funds to cover this cost for all families enrolled in Mitchell County 4-H, making it no cost for families.
  • Some programs and workshops may have additional fees and their may be costs associated with specific 4-H workshops, camps, events, and conferences.
When should I sign up?

Enrollment for 4-H and the new program year begins September 1. Youth may enroll anytime between September 1 and May 15. We highly recommend that you enroll early in the year to have the maximum experience possible. Workshops, camps, and special program happen throughout the calendar year and have their own enrollment deadlines. 

Where should I sign up?

If you are interested in becoming a 4-H member and have more questions, please contact Bailey Dohlman, County Youth Coordinator. Members use 4HOnline to enroll in 4-H. Click on the green box below to get redirected. To help guide you through the enrollment process, please see the Family Enrollment Guide

Enroll in 4-H and/ or register for 4-H Events

Questions?

 

Bailey Dohlman

County Youth Coordinator

 641-732-5574

 641-832-1980

 bdohlman@iastate.edu