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What is 4-H?

Welcome! We’re glad you’re here.

When you join 4-H, you’re a part of something big! 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, with more than six million members and over 90,000 clubs.

The four H’s are head, heart, hands, and health. That means we are committed to providing opportunities for youth to learn life skills like decision-making, problem solving, caring for others, generosity, making healthy choices, and more.

4-H involves youth in project-based education. Through project learning, youth can explore their interests (“sparks”) and master new skills. 4-H projects are meant to be hands on to create a memorable learning experience. Since 4-H started in the early 1900s, youth have learned by doing. This hands-on process allows youth to understand not only how to do something but also why they are doing it.

Most 4-H youth and the adults who care about them get their start with a 4-H club. Clubs can meet in a variety of settings so we can support youth where they are in the community, in schools, after school, and in military settings. 4-H youth can take part in camps, educational travel experiences, workshops, and much more, as they explore their sparks.

In all of these settings, youth have the chance to become leaders. Youth make decisions. Youth can make their voices heard. The most important part of 4-H is YOUth.

4-H Basics

Joining a 4-H Club

• Enrolling in 4-H must be done through a local club.
• The  4-H Year is October 1 – September 30.
• Contact the Extension Dodge County Office at 920-386-3790 for help finding a club in your area.
• Using the 4-H Name and Emblem Guidelines v4-26-04 (PDF, 4 pages, 275 KB)

Other Resources

Wisconsin 4-H
National 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System
National 4-H Supply
National 4-H Council

Dodge County 4-H Calendar

4-H Happenings