General Questions

What is 4-H?
4-H is the largest youth development organization in the U.S., helping young people ages 5–18 build life skills through hands-on learning. In Union County, we offer clubs, camps, competitions, and community service opportunities that let kids explore their interests while developing confidence, leadership, and responsibility.

Who can join 4-H?
Any youth between the ages of 5 and 18 can join—no prior experience or background is needed.

What ages are allowed in 4-H?

• Cloverbuds: Ages 5–7

• Juniors: Ages 8–10

• Intermediates: Ages 11–13

• Seniors: Ages 14–18

Why does 4-H go by a child’s age as of January 1st?
4-H uses January 1st as the cutoff so that youth remain in the same age group for the entire year, no matter when their birthday falls. This makes competitions and events fair across the state and ensures consistency for project work. For example, if your child turns 11 in March, they will still be considered a “Junior” for the full year since they were 10 on January 1st.

What grade level is my child in 4-H terms?
While 4-H goes strictly by age as of January 1st, here’s a general guide to help you match ages to school grades:

• Cloverbuds (5–7) → Typically Kindergarten–2nd grade

• Juniors (8–10) → Typically 3rd–5th grade

• Intermediates (11–13) → Typically 6th–8th grade

• Seniors (14–18) → Typically 9th–12th grade

Because birthdays fall at different times of the year, your child’s school grade might not match their 4-H category exactly. That’s why 4-H uses the January 1st rule—to keep things consistent for competitions and events across the state.

Is 4-H just for kids who live on farms or raise animals?
Not at all! While agriculture and animals are part of 4-H, most members are involved in things like arts, STEM, public speaking, cooking, environmental science, photography, and leadership programs.

Why should my child join 4-H?
4-H builds lifelong skills like responsibility, teamwork, communication, and leadership—all while being fun. Kids also meet new friends, explore their passions, and gain experiences they can use for scholarships, college applications, and future careers.

Cost & Enrollment

How much does it cost to join?
Union County 4-H has no annual membership fee. Some clubs, camps, or activities may have small supply or registration costs, but we work hard to keep programs affordable.

How do I sign my child up?
All youth enroll online through 4-HOnline. Create a family profile, add your child, and select Union County. From there, you can choose a club or register as an independent member until you find the right fit.

Do we have to live in Union County to participate?

We do have plenty of members who aren’t Union County residents—so you’re welcome here! However, please note that you can only compete in one county per project area for the year. For example, if your child participates in Horse Bowl in Union County, they cannot also give a horse presentation in another county. This rule covers all project areas—whether it’s livestock judging, poultry, public speaking, STEM, or arts—so youth must choose one county per category for competitions.

Clubs & Programs

What types of clubs are offered?
Union County 4-H has community clubs, school-based clubs, and special-interest clubs such as:

• Horse clubs

• Teen Council

• Creative Arts & Photography

• STEM/STEAM

• Agriculture 
  …and more!

How often do clubs meet?
Each club sets its own schedule, but most meet once a month. Some special-interest clubs meet more often when preparing for competitions or events.

Can my child join more than one club?
Yes! Youth can participate in multiple clubs and still attend county-wide events, camps, and workshops.

What if there isn’t a club for my child’s interests?
Youth can enroll as “independent members” and complete 4-H projects on their own. Families can also work with the 4-H office to start a new club.

Does 4-H run during the school year or summer only?
4-H is a year-round program! Clubs typically meet September through May, with camps, competitions, and special events running in the summer.

Parents & Volunteers

What is expected of parents?
Parents are encouraged to support their child by attending events, helping with transportation, or guiding project work at home. Some clubs ask parents to provide snacks, help with activities, or volunteer occasionally—but there’s no minimum requirement.

Can parents become volunteers?
Yes! Parents are welcome (and encouraged) to volunteer as leaders, helpers, or guest speakers. All official volunteers go through a background check and training to ensure youth safety.

Can siblings attend meetings if only one is enrolled?
Younger siblings are welcome to tag along (with parent supervision), but only enrolled 4-H members may officially participate in activities, contests, or projects.

Opportunities for Youth

What kinds of projects can my child do?
Projects range from cooking, sewing, and photography to robotics, livestock judging, gardening, public speaking, leadership, and more. Each project is designed for age-appropriate learning.

Are there competitions?
Yes! Youth can compete at the county, district, and state levels in presentations, photography, livestock, poultry judging, and more. Competitions help kids build confidence, public speaking skills, and teamwork.

Does my child have to do public speaking?
Public speaking is encouraged, but it’s never required to join. Youth can choose to participate in presentations or competitions when they’re ready. Many start small and build confidence over time.

What camps are available?
Union County offers summer day camps, weeklong overnight camps, and leadership opportunities like the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. Camp topics vary each year but always include hands-on, fun, and educational activities.

What leadership opportunities exist for teens?
Teens can join the Union County 4-H Teen Council, attend state-level events like 4-H Congress, run for district/state officer positions, and serve as CITs or mentors for younger youth.

Practical Details

How much time does 4-H take?
Most clubs meet once a month, with optional events, competitions, and camps throughout the year. Families can choose how involved they want to be—some kids only attend monthly meetings, while others dive into multiple projects and activities.

Do I have to buy a uniform for my child?
No uniform is required. Some clubs may have t-shirts, but they are optional.

When can my child join?
Youth may join 4-H at any point during the year. Enrollment is always open, though some camps and events have registration deadlines.

Is transportation provided?
Families are responsible for their own transportation to club meetings and county events. For certain trips (district or state events), group transportation may be arranged.

Does 4-H offer scholarships or financial assistance?
Yes! Union County 4-H has a scholarship program to help cover the cost of camp, trips, and competitions. We never want cost to be a barrier to participation.

Is there a dress code for 4-H?
No formal dress code—casual clothes are fine for meetings and camps. For competitions, events, or livestock shows, specific attire may be recommended.

Can we try a meeting before officially joining?
Yes! Families are welcome to attend a club meeting or event to see if it’s a good fit before enrolling.

How is 4-H different from Scouts, sports, or other youth programs?
Unlike activity-specific groups, 4-H lets kids explore many different areas—science, arts, leadership, agriculture, and more—all in one place. It’s also designed to grow with your child, offering new opportunities as they move from Cloverbud to Senior.

What happens if my child changes clubs?
That’s no problem! Youth can switch clubs at any time if their interests change, or if schedules don’t work out.

Do 4-H members have to show animals?
No—showing animals is just one of many options in 4-H. Plenty of members never show livestock and still have a full, rewarding 4-H experience.