What is 4-H?

4-H reaches almost 6 million young people worldwide. 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
- Healthy Living
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
- Leadership and Civic Engagement
- Communication and the Arts

Why 4-H?
4-H youth work and learn in partnership with caring adults to reach their full potential. 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 prepares youth to solve problems and encourages them to create new and creative ideas that can help create a better world.
Who Can Join 4-H?
Winneshiek County welcomes youth from various backgrounds and interests. Youth ranging from K-12 can get involved in 4-H activities. The following age groups can participate in the 4-H groups below:
- Clover Kids (grades K-3)
- 4-H Clubs (grades 4-12)
Winneshiek County 4-H
Find more information here:
How to Register
Ready to start your 4-H adventure? Follow these easy steps below to get started:
1. Fill out our interest form below or contact Winneshiek County Extension at winneshiek4h@iastate.edu or (563) 382-2949 to learn more about our 4-H program!
2. Register through 4-H Online (see link below)
Did you know...
- 4-H is the largest youth development organization
- A research study conducted by the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University found that 4-H'ers are...
- 4x more likely to contribute to their community
- 2x more likely to be civically active
- 2x more likely to participate in science programs during out-of-school time
- 2x more likely to make healthier choices.


Find a Club
Burr Oak
- Burr Oak Blazing Builders
Calmar
- South County Innovators
Castalia
- Bloomfield
Decorah
- Decorah Chiefs
- Glenwood 4-H
- Madison 4-H
- Washington Prairie Peppers
Fort Atkinson
- Turkey Valley Clovers
Hesper
- Hesper Helpers
Ossian
- Co-Champions
Ridgeway
- Lincoln Leaders
Spillville
- Prairie Shooting Stars
Volunteer with Winneshiek County 4-H
Over 10,000 volunteers guide Iowa 4-H members in becoming productive citizens, outstanding communicators, effective leaders, and successful learners. But what volunteers give is just as important as what they get back!
Volunteer Opportunities
- 4-H Club Leader
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Club leaders provide overall leadership to club or group organizations, overseeing the structure and operation and serving as the club's contact with Extension staff and other 4-H volunteers. They help 4-H club members grow and reach their fullest potential by supporting them to conduct meaningful, educational experiences.
- 4-H Judge
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4-H judges support learning and growth opportunities for youth through the project judging experience at local county fairs. It allows adults to share their expertise with 4-H youth by judging projects that interest them. Visit the following link for more information: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/iowa-4-h-judges
- County 4-H Volunteer
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There are many ways to support the 4-H program at the county level. Volunteers are needed to give guidance to policy and priority setting and to conduct county and regional programs and activities. Contact us to learn more about 4-H volunteer opportunities in your county.