School buses are on the road and virtual classrooms have been set-up around the county. The start of a new school year means one thing… the start of a new 4-H year. The 4-H year officially begins on September 1.

So, what exactly does Seminole County 4-H have to offer you and your family?

4-H offers a positive place for youth to have fun, explore a variety of topics, and learn knowledge & skills. Often, this is done through 4-H clubs. While 4-H clubs vary in their “feel;” commonalities exist among all 4-H clubs. The characteristics include:

• An organized group of youth
• A planned program for what is going on at each meeting during the year
• Adults to assist and guide youth in the club
• Youth-elected officers
• Youth learn skills for life through 4-H project experiences
• Opportunities for leadership, citizenship, community service and public speaking

4-H clubs are open to youth who are five to 18 years old (as of September 1). Younger members (ages five to seven) are called Cloverbuds. Cloverbuds involved in 4-H clubs typically need additional adult or teen leader attention, focus on cooperative learning, and do not participate in competitive events.

4-H Meetings typically last an hour and consist of a youth-led business meeting, an educational program and a recreation or teambuilding activity.

4-H Clubs may be considered either a general club or a project club. General clubs offer a selection of projects for youth delivered in project meetings within or outside of the club meeting. Project clubs focus on one project area for the entire membership in that 4-H club.

Multiple opportunities exist to connect to the Seminole County 4-H club program.

• Seminole County 4-H Open House: August, 27, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Online. This event is open to the public to come explore the many opportunities available to youth through 4-H. Find out how to start your own 4-H club and speak with current Seminole County 4-H members and volunteers. This event is free and open to the public. Register at: https://4-hopenhouse2020.eventbrite.com.
• Seminole County 4-H Family Orientation: Thursday, September 3, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.. The 4-H Family Orientation will cover the basics of Seminole County 4-H, 4-H project areas, 4-H events, and opportunities for parents & volunteers. A Register at: https://4hfamilyorientation.eventbrite.com.
• Seminole County 4-H At-Large 4-H Club: Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m., Online. New this year, we are starting a county-wide 4-H Club. The At-Large 4-H club gives youth, ages 8 to 18, the opportunity to check-out a 4-H club and learn about a different project each month. The group will meet monthly on Wednesday evenings. The first meeting will be on September 16, 5:00 p.m., online. Registration is at: https://at-large-4h-club.eventbrite.com.
• Seminole County 4-H Virtual Horse Club: This club is open to youth ages 11-18, interested in learning more about horses. This club will meet virtually once a month from September through January. Our first meeting will be held September 22, at 6:30 pm. This club is open to all 4-H members in District VIII (Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties). Registration is at: https://4hhorseclub.eventbrite.com

Since 1909, 4-H clubs have provided a safe place with caring adults for youth in Florida to learn leadership, citizenship and life skills. Join Seminole County 4-H clubs today!

To find out more about the University of Florida IFAS Seminole County 4-H program, visit: http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/4-H, follow us on Facebook @SeminoleCounty4H and Instagram @Seminole_county4H

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