4-H Youth

The UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens. This mission is accomplished by creating safe and inclusive learning environments, involving caring adults, and utilizing the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and the nationwide land grant university system.

JOIN 4-H

So you’re interested in joining 4-H? We offer a variety of youth programming, including community clubs, afterschool programming, in-school enrichment, short-term special interest (SPIN) clubs, camps, and more. Follow the below steps to learn how to get involved in Brevard County 4-H.

Check out your local clubs, camps, and events on the Brevard County 4-H website (you're in the right place!)
If you’re interested in joining a club, pick a few that interest you to try out.
Reach out to the 4-H Agent at (321) 633-1702. They can get you more information, answer your questions, and get you in touch with the Club Leader.
After speaking to the 4-H Agent and deciding which club(s) you'd like to join, enroll as a 4-H member using our 4HOnline enrollment system. 4HOnline enrollment for the 2022-2023 4-H year will begin on August 1, 2022. All current youth members and adult volunteers will need to re-enroll in 4HOnline each year.
The new program year officially begins September 1, 2022. Please note that the Brevard County 4-H Program has a $25 annual membership fee for Community Club Members ages 8-18. This fee can be paid by following the instructions when registering in 4HOnline.
Prepare to meet new friends, learn new things, and have a great time!
Don’t forget to check out other 4-H opportunities like camps, special events, and competitions!

4-H Events Calendar

2022-2023 Brevard County 4-H Events Calendar

4-H Community Clubs

North Brevard

4-H Life

Jennifer Hill - brevard4hlife@gmail.com

This is a general 4-H club, meaning that the members learn a variety of different skills while exploring various 4-H project areas. Youth in this club will learn about poultry, horses, gardening, cooking, leadership, and much more! The club meets monthly in the Titusville area.

Sharp Eye Shooters Archery

Jennifer Hill - brevard4hlife@gmail.com

This is primarily an archery club, but we also teach other shooting sports including traditional black powder rifles, small bore rifle and introductory shotgun sports. We meet twice a month at the Titusville Rifle and Pistol Club in Mims. Contact Ms. Jennifer before coming because exact times can change due to school schedules and weather conditions.

Island Dogs

Mary Boyken - 4hislanddogs@gmail.com

Manatee Cove 4-H Equestrian Arena, Merritt Island

The Island Dogs are a youth-led club that focuses on learning about dog breeds, dog training, and responsible dog ownership. The club plans and participates in community events. The club holds monthly meetings and weekly dog training on Sundays at 3 PM. Dog ownership is not required to participate.

Central Brevard

Outdoor Skills & Introductory Archery & Air Rifle Lessons

Gus Koerner - gkoerner@ufl.edu

Brevard County Extension Office, Cocoa

Beginning in January 2023 - The Outdoor Skills club focuses on archery and shooting sports along with primitive skills such as knot tying, fire building, outdoor cooking, and more.

In addition, families who are new to archery and shooting sports can set up a one-on-one learning opportunity with Mr. Gus to learn fundamental steps to archery, range safety and air rifle, and to give children a taste of 4-H and 4-H shooting sports. It helps to build confidence, and families pick which 4-H shooting sports club to join. We meet weekly in the afternoons at the 4-H Archery Range and Outdoor Classroom by appointment only. The archery range is next door to the Extension Office at 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, FL 32926. All equipment is provided, age restrictions may apply. There is no fee, but after the first lesson children must enroll in 4-H.

Bug Club

Christos McDowell

Brevard County Extension Office, Cocoa

This club provides youth with opportunities to learn the world of insects, including insect identification, anatomy and physiology, and more. Members will also have the opportunity to create their own insect collection and compete at the Florida 4-H Insectathon competition in January.

South Brevard

Primitive Opossums Shooting & Outdoor Skills Club

Kristi Dailey - primitiveopossums@gmail.com

This club covers shooting sports disciplines such as archery, small bore rifle, shotgun and muzzleloaders as well as primitive and outdoor skills, wildlife ID, orienteering, hunting, and camping skills. We also teach Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) skills. The club meets at the Port Malabar Rifle and Pistol Club. Contact Ms. Kristi before coming because exact times can change due to school schedules and weather conditions.

Fantastic Farm

Tara Dorn - dorntara@yahoo.com

Wickham Park, Melbourne

This is a poultry club specializing in critical and endangered breeds of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese. The members run a small farm that houses chickens, ducks, geese and a vegetable garden. They meet on the second Sunday and last Saturday of every month at 9 AM.

Little Growers

Camille Hadley - littlegrowersinc@gmail.com

Little Growers is a gardening club that meets in Melbourne. Youth plan, plant, and harvest a garden and learn valuable life skills throughout the process!

County-Wide Clubs

4-H Horse & Farm LIFE

Kelly Moutsatsos - brevardpony@gmail.com

Meeting Location: Varies by month - check out their Facebook page for all the details

This county club welcomes 4-H members interested in all projects, from art and music to animals and gardening. They specialize in horses, chickens, and rabbits. This is a no animals needed club - children can participare in 4-H competitions without owning livestock. Check out their Facebook page, 4H Horse & Farm LIFE Club, text/call 321-604-5299, or email brevardpony@gmail.com for all of the latest information!

Space Coast Explorers

Vanessa Spero - vspero@ufl.edu

Each month the Space Coast Explorers meet at a different location around Brevard County to explore the natural world! Youth will learn about the environment, plants, and animals through exploration and hands on activities.

Horse Program Resources

Horse Competitive Events

Besides horse shows, 4-H horse program members have the opportunity to participate in a variety of other competitive teams and events. These include horse judging, Hippology, quiz bowl, horsemanship school, and more. For more information on any of these opportunities, visit the Florida 4-H Youth Horse Events website.

Operating Procedures

2021-2022 Horse Program Guidelines Book (check back soon for the 2022-2023 version!)

Additional Resources

Florida 4-H Horse Program General Information

Bit Rules and Examples

Show Ring Etiquette

Horse Show Class Descriptions

Horse Show Management Guidelines

4-H Record Books

Record (or project) books help you to keep organized and detailed information about your 4-H project(s) each year. They are a record of everything you have done and learned each year in your project. You should aim to complete at least one project book each 4-H year. Make sure to keep old record books, as they come in handy when you are applying for scholarships and awards as a senior 4-H member!