4-H Youth Development
Head, Heart, Hands and Health
“I pledge my head to clear thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.”
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 in 3rd grade and/or will reach your 9th birthday by September 30th of the current 4-H Year. In West Virginia 4-H, you can remain a member until the age of 21. You “age-out” when you turn 21 before January 1st of the current 4-H year. There is also a special age-appropriate program designed for younger children known as Cloverbuds. The Cloverbud program is for youth ages 5-8 (must be turning 6 during the current 4-H year).
If you are interested in joining either a community club or Cloverbud group, please contact the Jefferson County Extension Office of West Virginia University.
You can also become 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 chartered community clubs that 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 gain experience 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 in late August.
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.
