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A 4-H youth in a green shirt draws a red bow and arrow, aiming it forward with two other people doing the same in the background.

Join 4-H

4-H is based on learning by doing. Youth take part in hands-on projects in science, health, agriculture, and civic engagement.

Programs are offered in a positive setting where youth get support from adult mentors. Youth are encouraged to try new things and take on leadership roles. They can focus on one interest or explore many.

All 4-H programs include mentoring and helping youth build skills and prepare for future careers.

 

  • Join a Club

    4‑H is based on learning by doing. Youth take part in hands‑on experiences in science, health, agriculture, and civic engagement while receiving support from positive adult mentors. They are encouraged to try new things, explore their interests, and grow their leadership skills. 

    Families can join 4‑H by enrolling in a club, participating in a school-based program, or attending a summer camp. Once enrolled, youth can choose from many project areas that spark their interest. They can focus on one or explore many. Every 4‑H experience helps youth build confidence, learn life skills, and prepare for future careers.

    Families register for 4-H clubs and camps through 4-H Online. Contact our office if you need help getting started at orange4h@ifas.ufl.edu.

    Club List

    2025–26 Orange County 4‑H Clubs

    1. 4 Paw’d Champions 4‑H – Dog Training
      Meets: 2nd Tuesday; 1st & 3rd Monday
      Leaders: Paige Johnson / Sara Williams 
      Location: Orlando 32812
    2. Apollo’s Apprentices 4‑H (Ages 8+) – Archery, Leadership, Competition
      Meets: Every Saturday
      Contact:  Apollo’s Apprentices 4‑H
      Location: Orlando 32812
    3. Bits N Bridles 4‑H – Livestock (Beef)
      Leader: Carolyn McCulley 
      Location: Wedgefield 32833
    4. Boots N Bows 4‑H – Livestock
      Leader: Mandy Wren 
      Location: Christmas 32709
    5. Camo N Critters 4‑H – Livestock
      Leaders: Bobbie Tate / Karen Whatley 
      Location: Christmas 32709
    6. City Farmers 4‑H – Rabbits, Poultry, Cavy, Community Service
      Leaders: DeVonna CranerMonica Marcus 
      Location: Orlando 32804
    7. Dirty Jeans 4‑H – Horse
      Leaders: Jodi CanahuateCarola Gelatka 
      Location: Apopka 32703
    8. East Orange Livestock 4‑H – Livestock
      Leaders: Rebecca SimmonsMelissa Jordan 
      Location: Christmas 32709
    9. Exploding Bacon 4‑H (Team 1902) – FIRST Robotics (Ages 14–18)
      Leader: Amanda Little 
      Location: Winter Park 32792
    10. Fiber Arts Club (Ages 8–13) – Fiber Arts (6‑week sessions)
      Meets: Thursdays
      Contact: Orange County 4‑H Office 
    11. Film Club 4‑H (Ages 13–18) – Film Making
      Meets: Thursdays
      Leader: Maggie O’Halloran 
      Location: Orlando 32812
    12. Horticulture 4‑H (Ages 11–18) – Plants & Gardening
      Meets: 2nd Tuesday, Mid‑Day
      Leader: Roshni Babb 
      Location: Orlando 32812
    13. Impact 4‑H – Photography & Leadership
      Leader: Irene Taylor 
      Location: Orlando 32805
    14. Leadership Club 4‑H (Ages 11–18) – Leadership & Community Service
      Meets: 1st Thursday
      Leader: Melinda Souers 
      Location: Orlando 32812
    15. OC Explorers 4‑H – General Projects, STEM
      Meets: 1st & 3rd Wednesday
      Leaders: Anastasia Turner 
      Location: Orlando 32812
    16. Pet Club 4‑H (Ages 5–12) – All Types of Pets
      Meets: 2nd Thursday
      Leader: Melinda Souers 
      Location: Orlando 32812
    17. Sit2 4‑H – Horse / Horseless Horse
      Leader: LeAnne Garretson‑Tran 
      Location: Orlando 32825
    18. Silent Shooters 4‑H (Ages 8+) – Archery, Leadership, Competition
      Meets: Every Wednesday
      Contact: Silent Shooters
      Location: Orlando 32812
    19. Wranglers 4‑H – Livestock
      Leader: Erin Hebert  
      Location: Apopka 32712
    20. West Orange Livestock 4‑H – Livestock
      Leaders: Kristy & Thomas Lightbody 
      Location: Winter Garden 34787
  • 4-H in School

    4-H offers lessons that support classroom learning through hands-on activities. Programs can also be offered in after-school settings by staff or volunteers.

    The Florida 4-H Public Speaking Program helps students in grades 4–6 build confidence and communication skills. Students may continue through grade 8. Schools can hold contests at different levels, and materials and awards are provided. Private schools may email orange4h@ifas.ufl.edu, and OCPS schools may contact Nancy.Golden@ocps.net.

    The 4-H embryology project, Hatching with my Peeps, teaches students in grades 2–5 about life cycles. Students hatch chicks in the classroom and help care for them.

    4-H Garden Clubs use the Learn Grow Eat and Go curriculum to teach gardening and healthy eating through hands-on lessons.

    Contact our office for more information.

  • Attend Camp

    Orange County youth can take part in several summer camp programs. Day camps for ages 8–12 are held at the Extension Center, and Cloverbud camps offer half-day experiences for youth ages 5–7. Families can view camp dates and register online.

    Youth who are ready for an overnight experience can attend Camp Cloverleaf in Sebring or Camp Timpoochee in Niceville. These camps offer week-long themed sessions during the summer.

    Youth do not need to be 4-H members to attend camp. Scholarships are available through the Florida 4-H Foundation

Contact Us

Melinda Souers headshot

Melinda Souers
Extension Faculty
4-H Youth Development
E-mail: Melinda Souers

Headshot of Erica Asti, 4-H Agent. she's wearing a black shirt and a pink jacket

Erica Asti
Extension Faculty
4-H Youth Development
E-mail: Erica Asti

Giselle Velazquez  
Administrative Office Coordinator
4-H Youth Development
E-mail : Orange County 4-H