4-H Members

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.

4-H is a national youth organization and Florida 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. 4-H is open to youth ages five to 18 (by September 1 of the current 4-H year).  4-H offers a variety of different ‘projects,’ or hobbies for youth to gain knowledge and develop life skills. Most youth in our program participate through 4-H clubs.  Some of our clubs focus solely on one project area, while others offer multiple projects. A list of 4-H projects and current 4-H clubs is below under, "Steps to Join".

Here in Volusia County our clubs typically start meeting in August/September and meet monthly through May. Below you’ll find our current club list for the new year. You can review the club list and contact the club leaders directly via email with specific questions.

Some questions to ask the club:

• When do you typically meet?
• How many times a month?
• Where do you meet?

Our club leaders are volunteers so please give them at least a week to respond to your inquiry.

We also suggest monitoring our Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/VolusiaCountyFlorida4H

To become a Volusia County 4-H member youth must enroll in 4-H Online. For youth between the ages of 8-18 there is a $20 annual membership fee that is paid when you register in 4-H Online. Some clubs may have additional club dues.

For steps to join 4-H, click on STEPS TO JOIN, below!

If you would like to start your own club, I’d be happy work with you to make that happen!

• Steps to Join

  Steps to Join 4-H

  1. Interested in finding out more about Volusia County 4-H clubs? Click the link to view the list of our current clubs:   New Club List 10-8-25
  2. The next step is very important. It is highly encouraged that you ATTEND a 4-H club meeting as a guest before enrolling in our 4-H Online registration system. This is to ensure club goals are the goals you have in mind for your child and the club is not already at capacity.  If you’re interested in attending a meeting, pick the club or clubs that interest you, email the leader, and they’ll let you know when and where their next meeting is scheduled. Our leaders are volunteers, so give them a week to respond to your request.
  3. If you provide us with information on what city you live in and what your child’s interest are, we can help suggest specific clubs.  You can always call the office and ask for Chelsea Woodard or the 4-H Program Assistant at 386-822-5778.  
  4. Once you have attended a club meeting and know which club(s) you’d like to join, enroll as a 4-H Member here: FL 4-H Online It's that simple!                                  
  5. Prepare to meet new friends, learn new things, and have a great time! 
  6. Don’t forget to check out other 4-H opportunities like camps, special events, and competitions!

  Just as a reminder, current youth members and adult volunteers will need to re-enroll in 4HOnline every year. The new program year officially begins September 1.

   

   

• What is a 4-H project?

  What is a 4-H Project?

  4-H Members can choose from more than 50 projects that focus on science, engineering, and technology, animals and agriculture, food & nutrition, outdoor adventures, marine science, public speaking, art, and wildlife. 4-H learning is experiential- where youth learn life skills and use their skills to give back to their communities. Youth set goals and keep records, and they can participate in events and activities on a county, state, and national level to keep their learning strong.

  4-H has three major priority programs: Science, Citizenship & Leadership, and Healthy Living. Please check out the resources available to you in each of these areas. For more information on 4-H projects and resources visit: Florida 4-H Curriculum Clearinghouse

• Completing a 4-H Project

  4-H Project Report books are available for download below:

  Volusia County Cloverbud Project Book 2025-2026
  Volusia County Junior Project Report 2025-2026
  Volusia County Intermediate Project Report 2025-2026
  Volusia County Senior Project Report 2025-2026

   

• 4-H Awards and Recognition

  4-H Awards and Recognition

  Recognition is a basic human need that we all experience.  It builds self-esteem and a personal valuing of an experience.  Recognition is also an important component of the 4-H experience and is also an integral part of all 4-H educational experiences. 

  4-H members in Volusia County are awarded for a year of participation by completing a Project Book or a Record Book. 

  Any 4-H member who turns in a completed Project or Record book will receive a 4-H year pin, a Project pin and an invitation to our Annual Youth Awards Banquet.   PROJECT BOOKS ARE DUE BY JUNE 30TH EVERY YEAR.

  Youth MUST turn in a completed project book or record book in order to qualify for awards.

• County 4-H Awards

  Youth MUST turn in a completed project book or record book in order to qualify for awards. All award and scholarship applications are due in the 4-H office by June 30th of the year you apply.

  4-H Volusia County Phyllis & Ken May Scholarship

  • Volusia County 4-H awards a graduating senior 4-H member with a $4000 scholarship each year.  Those applying must be attending and accepted to a state college, university or trade school.  Monies awarded can be used for tuition, books, etc.  
  • Submit a 4-H Portfolio, Personal Narrative, Letters of Recommendation are required.
  • All information due June 30th to 4-H Volusia office. 
  • Final determination includes a personal interview at a date set each year.
  • APPLICATION COMING

  4-H Volusia County Spirit of 4-H

  • Open to Cloverbuds, Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors
  • Nominated by an adult unrelated to the 4-H member.
  • Award: Crystal Trophy and certificate
  • Awarded only once during a 4-H'ers entire 4-H membership and limited two members per year
  • Nomination form: Spirit of 4-H Application 2025 - 2026

  4-H Volusia County Jacket Scholarship

  • Open to Cloverbuds, Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors
  • $25.00 scholarship toward the purchase of a 4-H corduroy jacket or vest
  • Application: Volusia 4-H Jacket Scholarship Application

  4-H Volusia County Volunteer of the Year

  • Annual award recognizes a 4-H Volunteer who has gone above and beyond to support their club and county 4-H program
  • This award is by nomination only
  • Nomination form: Volusia 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award Form

  4-H Volusia County Showmanship Award

  • Points based award recognizing our 4-H members who showed in a variety of livestock shows throughout the year.
  • Open to Juniors, Intermediates, and Seniors
  • Poultry, Cavy, Rabbit, Swine, Sheep, Goat and Cattle are allowed.  One application per species shown.
  • Must submit application, animal record book and required essay.
  • Best in points receives a 4-H Showmanship buckle 
  • Application, Rules and Guidelines: APPLICATION COMING

  4-H Volusia Scrapbook Award

  • Open to Juniors, Intermediates, Seniors and 4-H Clubs
  • May be submitted as a hard copy, printed book, or digital submission.
  • Judging is based on creativity and information provided.
  • Ribbon and Certificate are awarded; 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
  • Guidelines and information: Volusia 4-H Scrapbook Guidelines

  Project pins, Year Pins and Record Book Ribbons

  • To be recognized with your project pin, year pin and record book ribbon, 4-H members must submit their 4-H Project Summary with either a record book or project book.
  • Open to Cloverbuds, Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors

  FL 4-H Scholarships & Award Trips 

  • Senior 4-H members can also apply for the Florida 4-H Scholarships by following the Florida 4-H Scholarships link. 
  • Complete for scholarships and award trip opportunities from the State 4-H Office
  • Link for additional information & application: Florida 4-H Scholarships & Award Trips

   

• Standards of Excellence

  4-H Awards and Recognition: Standards of Excellence

  Resource is here: FL 4-H Achieving Standards of Excellence

  We encounter standards at all ages and stages of life. Most have been developed by experts. Sometimes the individual responsible for achieving or living up to the standards is involved in developing them. Some standards have developed over time and are generally understood and accepted, though not written down.

  In 4-H educational programs, standards are used in two ways. First, standards are established by subject matter and youth development specialists to provide a base for young people to use as they plan and work toward their goals. Examples are exhibit criteria, scorecards, and judging sheets, etc. Second, professional staff and/or volunteers and young people work together to establish standards. Examples are behavior desired at 4-H camp, expectations of 4-H’ers involved in meetings, and appropriate dress for 4-H events. Teaching young people skills needed to meet or achieve standards has a lifelong benefit now and into the future.

  For our Volusia County 4-H youth, Standards of Excellence awards are received at Awards Night every year to recognize the time, talents and growth that have occurred within that year.  

  Clubs may strive to meet specific standards of performance just as many club members will work to achieve standards. Each of the four levels of standards are available for clubs to achieve.

  The 4-H book highlighted above will explain what is expected, how to achieve and be rewarded for these standards of excellence. During each stage of the 4-H member experience, Cloverbud, Junior, Intermediates and Senior the expectations change and grow with them.  Review the section(s) related to your member to find out how to help them increase their experience with 4-H and reap the awards and recognition they deserve.

• Club Awards

  Club High Participation Award

  Standards of Excellence

  See Chelsea Woodard for directions for Club Awards