Joining 4-H

Why 4-H?

4-H is the only youth development program with direct access to technological advances from university research. According to the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, conducted by Tufts University, young people in 4-H: 

• Report better grades, higher levels of academic competence, and an elevated level of engagement at school
• Are nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college
• Are more likely to pursue future courses in a career in science, engineering, or computer technology

Who Can Join 4-H? 

4-H Membership is open to all youth between the ages of 8 and 18 as of September 1st of the current year. Youth ages 5 to 7 may also participate as Cloverbuds in a variety of programming including Clubs, Day Camps, Cloverbud Pledge at County Competitive Events, and the Watch Me Grow division at the Southeastern Youth Fair. 

How Do I Get Involved?

We are so excited that you are interested in joining Marion County 4-H! 

Clubs

Clubs are the foundation of 4-H, and finding the right one for you is your first step in becoming a 4-H Member. We encourage all those who are interested in joining a club to please contact the 4-H Office so we can assist you with connecting you to the appropriate club leaders. You will then be able to attend a meeting to see if the club will be a good fit. 

There are three different kinds of clubs: 

Community Club

These clubs are held in communities throughout the county and are involved in a variety of projects. The projects may change from year to year in a community club. This is because it is based on the needs/interests of the members they serve within their clubs. We have around 30 active clubs in Marion County. Please contact the 4-H Office for the most recent list of clubs, (352) 671-8400.

Project Club

Project clubs focus on one educational area each year. For example, horses & archery.

Below is a list of our project clubs: 

• Arrowhead Archery
• Happy Trails (Horse)
• InZombiacs (Robotics)
• Lead Slingers (Shooting Sports)

School Clubs

A few schools in Marion County that have clubs as part of the school day including Blessed Trinity, Oakcrest, Hillcrest, and Sparr Elementary. If you are a teacher interested in starting an in-school or after-school club, please reach out to our office!

Once you have found a club to join, you will enroll and pay the $20 membership fee via 4-H Online. Cloverbuds and School Club members do not pay this fee. Once your enrollment has been approved, you will be able to participate in the many different 4-H Events & Activities. 

 How Do I Start a 4-H Club?

Starting a 4-H Club may sound like a daunting task, but we are here to help! The first step of starting your 4-H Club is for you and your potential co-leader to become approved volunteers. We have the steps for doing this on our Volunteers page. Once you are approved, you will work with the 4-H Office to get your club started. 

Guide to Starting a 4-H Club: VTS Starting a 4-H Club