Becoming an Independent 4-H Member in Miami-Dade County

Welcome to Miami-Dade County 4-H! As an independent member, you have the unique opportunity to explore interests, develop skills, and lead projects on your terms. This manual will guide you through setting up and managing your independent 4-H experience.

To be an independent member, it is recommended that you be in 6th grade or above.

Step 1: Understand 4-H

4-H is a youth development organization that promotes hands-on learning in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement. As an independent member, you’ll engage in learning projects that interest you, guided by the 4-H motto: “Learn by Doing.”

Step 2: Register as an Independent Member

Enroll in 4-H Online: All 4-H members and volunteers create profiles in 4-H Online. This system is used to keep track of all youth and volunteers involved with the 4-H program. It will also track your project, how you will sign up for events, and list your emergency contact information. Be sure to complete the information thoroughly and accurately.
- For detailed instructions, use this link: Florida 4-H Enrollment Instructions – YOUTH MEMBER.
Membership Fees: Florida 4-H membership fees are $20.00 per child. This fee is for youth ages 8 and older (as of September 1st). $10.00 will go directly to the local county 4-H program, and the other $10.00 will go to the State 4-H Program to help improve, update, and modernize state-level events, activities, and competitions for 4-H youth.

Step 3: Select Your Projects

Choose a Project: Pick one or more projects that align with your interests. Projects can range from animal sciences to robotics, environmental health, and more.
- Browse project ideas and resources here: Florida 4-H Projects or Shop 4-H
Set Goals: For each project, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.

Step 4: Plan Your Activities

Develop a Project Plan: Outline what you intend to learn or accomplish, the steps you’ll take, resources needed, and timelines.
Identify a Mentor (optional): While independent, it’s beneficial to have a mentor. This could be a parent, teacher, or a professional in the field of your project. The mentor should guide, provide feedback, and help you navigate any challenges.
Meet with a 4-H Agent: Once you have outlined your plan, schedule a meeting with your 4-H Agent. The 4-H Agent must review your plan before you begin your project.
- Contact the Miami-Dade County 4-H Office and request to speak with Kenan Bridges: 305-769-4050

Step 5: Complete Projects and Keep Records

Complete Projects: Work through your project plan and use 4-H Project Books you selected from Step 3.
Keep Records: Document your activities, expenses, and learning outcomes. This record will be helpful for evaluating your progress and for participating in competitions or fairs.

Step 6: Engage with the 4-H Community

Participate in 4-H Events: Attend the county fair, state competitions, or other 4-H events. This is a great way to showcase your work and meet other 4-H members.
- Florida 4-H State Events
- County Programs (to name a few);
  - 4-H Exhibits at the Fair
  - 4-H Day at the Fair
  - 4-H Achievement Night
  - Summer Youth Internship Program
  - 4-H Teen Ambassadors
Community Service: Consider integrating community service into your projects to enhance learning and give back to your community.

Step 7: Turn In a 4-H Project Record Book

4-H Project Record Books are tools that help 4-H members to document their work and learning experiences throughout their 4-H projects. For instructions on completing a 4-H Project Record Book, visit Mastering 4-H Project Record Books – UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County (ufl.edu).

Project Record Books are due July 12th, 2024, by 5:00pm to Amelia Earhart Park, Hialeah, FL
Please coordinate a time for your books to be dropped off at the 4-H Office. There will be no grace period for submissions, so please do not miss this deadline.

Resources

CLOVER by 4-H: Access a variety of online resources and learning modules to enhance your 4-H experience. CLOVER has interactive, exciting activities for everyone ages 5-18.
Support: If you need help or have questions, contact our 4-H Office at 305-769-4050.