Membership
4-H membership is open to any young person who is in 4th - 12th grades. Membership may be in any club, regardless of sex or place of residence. It is most convenient to belong to a club in the same township or community in which the individual lives, but not a requirement. A member may belong to more than one club buy only many belong to 4-H in one county. Members may enroll any time during the year between September 15 and May 15. Enrolling in 4-H is required to participate in the fair and certain other events.
Program Development Fee
The enrollment fee for 4-H members is $30. This fee must accompany the enrollment form. 4-H members can turn their enrollments and fees to their club leaders. The very last day to enroll in 4-H is May 15. If a family is not able to pay the fee, they should contact their club leader or the Extension Office for assistance
Projects
All members should enroll in at least one project. This is so goals can be set and records can be kept. Records can be turned into leaders in September and October for Member/Mentor conferences. Recordbooks are not turned into the Extension Office, except for special awards.
Exhibiting
The exhibition of project results at fairs and shows is optional. Members who wish to exhibit their project must meet certain requirements: Exhibits must be result of the member's own 4-H project work and goals (set at the beginning of the project year), not done by other persons, including other family members; livestock must be properly enrolled and identified and weighed by May 15; and a separate fair entry is expected to be made (in addition to the project enrollment and identification) by July 1.
Members who wish to exhibit their projects outside the county should refer to specific show rules. It is the member's responsibility to be informed about and comply with all rules and deadlines for events in which they wish to participate, including the county fair.
Parental Involvement
The involvement of parents in 4-H is not required, but is highly desirable, and will only make the child's 4-H experience better. Parent attendance at club meetings and many county events is encouraged. Parents should give guidance, support and help (when needed) with member's projects and to participation in other phases of the 4-H program, including helping at club meetings. They are expected NOT to do the member's project work for them. Parental suggestions for improvement of the county 4-H program are welcome.
Adapted from the Emmett County "Welcome to 4-H: New Family Guide" prepared by Lisa Berkland, 1995
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