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: