4-H is the non-formal educational youth development program of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and the Florida Extension Service. 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development program and the only one that is university based.
Joining 4-H or Re-Enrolling is easy!
Three easy options are available.
1) Just visit https://florida.4honline.com to enroll online. This site is for new 4-H enrollments, updating existing membership information, as well as 4-H volunteers. You may also visit our office to complete your online application.
2) Or download the 4-H Enrollment Form and Participation Form, and complete the information, making sure both parent/guardian and youth sign each form.Then simply mail, or drop off the forms, to the 4-H Office at 2741 Pennsylvania Avenue, Marianna, FL 32448.
3) Stop by the 4-H Office and pick up pre-printed forms.
4-H is open to all youth, ages 5-18, determined as of September 1 of the current 4-H program year.
Eligibility for enrolled 4-H members (those who have met previously stated enrollment criteria) is determined by the youth’s age as of September 1 of the current 4-H program year, which runs September 1 through August 31. Any exceptions are noted under participation criteria defined for the event. Generally, age classifications for most 4-H events and activities are the following:
Ages 5 – 7: Cloverbud Division
Children under 8 years of age on September 1 of the current 4-H year are ineligible to participate in competitive activities at any level (club, county, district, state, national or international). 5-7 year olds may exhibit or share project activities at a participation level against a predefined standard. Feedback and participation awards may be given to this group, but they are not permitted to be involved in peer-to-peer competition. Cloverbuds may not work with or show large animal projects (e.g. horse, swine, beef, goat, dairy, llama, sheep, or ostrich) at any 4-H related event. This policy does not prohibit 5-7 year olds from learning about large animals through attendance at meetings or field trips. They can not participate, however, in 4-H activities that bring them in contact with large animals due to safety and insurance considerations.
Ages 8 – 10: Junior Division
Any youth 8-10 years old as of September 1 of the current 4-H program year is considered a junior.
Ages 11 – 13: Intermediate Division
Any youth 11-13 years old as of September 1 of the current 4-H program year is considered an intermediate.
Ages 14 – 18: Senior Division
Any youth 14-18 years old as of September 1 of the current 4-H program year is considered a senior.
When should I (re)enroll?
The 4-H year runs from September through August. So, that means the new 4-H year begins September 1st, right after the start of the new school year. That is the easiest way to remember when to re-enroll! All 4-H members must re-enroll each year. You may enroll in 4-H at any time.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, IFAS, FLORIDA A & M UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM, AND BOARDS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COOPERATING.
4-H is a community of young people, across the nation, learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.
How is 4-H Supported?
4-H is part of the Cooperative Extension Service based on the land grant University system. 4-H is supported through grants, fundraising, donations and through county and state programs. The combined efforts of county, state, and federal governments support 4-H to provide educational, research-based programs for everyday living and the development of life skills. Local businesses and civic organizations also help fund the 4-H program in their area. Programs and activities are conducted through a partnership of local community volunteers and professional staff. The enrollment fee is $20.
What do 4-Hers do?
4-H members participate in the program through one or more of the following delivery methods?: Organized 4-H Clubs School Enrichment Programs Special Interest Programs (workshops, day camps, etc) 4-H Camps Individual Study (member at-large)
What Experiences Does 4-H Provide for Youth?
Project Experiences – working individually or in groups youth select topics of interest in which they study and learn. A 4-H project is a series of learning experiences within an area of interest (such as leadership, marine science, horses, etc). You may come in to the 4-H Office for information regarding project ares, or visit the Florida 4-H page for project area details.
Group Experiences – 4-Hers participate in groups through club meetings, classrooms, project meetings, or organized events, which provide an environment to learn leadership and group social skills.
4-H Events and Activities – specialized 4-H events are designed and conducted to support the 4-Her at the local, county, district, state, and national levels. These may be competitive or non-competitive in nature. At the club level- local clubs often plan and conduct their own events (family picnics, field trips, fund-raising, or community service activities).
At the county, district, state, and national levels- county or state faculty plan and conduct many specialized events to enhance and support local 4-Hers. Such events may include day camps, residential camps, workshops, clinics, and competitive events.
What are the Advantages of Being in 4-H?
4-H offers flexible programming to meet youth needs by emphasizing skill building processes and effective outcomes through activities that promote positive values, social responsibility, and lifelong learning. Young people involved in 4-H have the opportunity to: develop as an individual, learn life skills related to projects, make new friends, work with adult volunteers, develop pride as they learn by doing, and develop leadership skills.