4-H Youth Development

Hot Dog Stand & Clover Corner Volunteers Food Handler’s Card



4-H is the largest out-of-school youth organization in the United States. A Cooperative Extension staff is responsible for 4-H programs in every county and city. Whether you live in a city, suburb, or rural area, there’s something for you in 4-H.

You can join 4-H if you are between the ages of 8 and 21 and become a member of a community club. Jefferson County also has special age-appropriate programs designed especially for younger children (Cloverbuds). The Jefferson County Extension Office of West Virginia University can help you to find a local club or program that’s right for you. Or, it’s easy to start a new club with some of your friends or other interested young people and a few adults willing to help.

Be a 4-H Volunteer, Adult volunteers play an important role in the 4-H program. Volunteers coordinate local community clubs and help to plan and conduct local, regional, state, and national 4-H events. Call the Jefferson County Extension office to learn about how to apply and receive training to be a 4-H volunteer.

The 4-H year in Jefferson County begins in September with the reorganization of community clubs who have monthly meetings in various communities throughout the county. Activities are held in clubs as well as at the county and state levels throughout the year. Through these activities and the taking of subject matter projects, youth have the opportunity to learn life skills, poise, and skills in public speaking. A yearly reference is published listing various important information, including a directory of clubs, a calendar of events, requirements for project exhibits, and various officers and committees of the Jefferson County 4-H Leaders Association. The year ends with the exhibiting of the year’s work at the Jefferson County Fair.

One of the programs each summer is Tri-County 4-H Camp held in conjunction with the 4-H programs in Berkeley and Morgan counties. More than 500 youth, counselors, and adult volunteers participate in one or more of three weeks of age-appropriate camping at Camp Frame, located west of Hedgesville in Berkeley County.