Indian River County 4-H Youth Development

4-H is the largest youth development organization in America. It has more than 6.5 million young people enrolled, ages 5-19.  There are over 540,000 youth and adult volunteers in 4-H. 3,500 4-H staff are spread all over the world. And 4-H has over 60 million former students.

4-H is in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and even on military installations worldwide. 55 percent of 4-H members live in cities, large towns, and suburbs. While 45 percent of 4-H members live in small towns and on farms.

Young people in 4-H "learn by doing". they learn by doing more than 1,000 hands-on projects they choose.  Projects vary from rocketry, GPS mapping, and public speaking, to DNA analysis, nutrition, photography, community service, and more.

Mission Statement

4-H Mission
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.

Become a Volunteer

Volunteering with 4-H is a rewarding experience. Contact the Indian River County Extension office to find out when the next volunteer orientation is scheduled or for more information.

4-H Builds the Leaders of Tomorrow

4-H enables youth to have fun, meet new people, learn new life skills, build self-confidence, learn responsibility, and set and achieve goals! Youth learn by doing and receive an award for a project.

• Members can range from age 5 to age 18, special and large animal projects start at 4-H age 8 (as of Sept. 1 of the current 4-H year).
• 4-H starts on a club level and then moves on to a county, district, state, national, and international level.
• 4-H offers such a wide range of projects, programs, and activities that every member can do well in 4-H.
• Parents, volunteers, community leaders, and Extension staff share their time and talents with 4-H youth.
• Get involved in a community service project through 4-H!