Frequently Asked Questions
How does 4-H work?
4-H is a project-oriented national youth development organization. For California, we are managed under the University of California 4-H program consisting of local clubs across the state. [An example: National 4-H > State 4-H > County 4-H > Local 4-H Clubs > 4-H Projects within each Club]
These 4-H clubs are run by their members (youth) while the adults (parents/guardians/etc.) offer assistance and guidance throughout. Each of these clubs provide a selection of 4-H Projects (run by members and their volunteer adults) ranging from animal/livestock, to leadership and technology projects, and more.
4-H memberships operate on an annual basis and range from 5yrs to 19yrs old. A potential member would join a local club as their "Home" Club and participate in general club meetings and activities with their Home Club. That member must also join at least one project, with the flexibility to choose projects even beyond their Home Club. A unique feature to 4-H is the flexibility to join projects from any county club, not limited to just their local Home Club.
Step by Step Instructions to joining 4-H here.
How can I get more information on project(s)?
Email [email protected] for project information
Are there mandatory commitments as a 4-H member?
The Homesteaders 4-H Club does not have mandatory commitments for general members. Officer or Project Leader role(s) do come with responsibilities.
What fees or expenditures are involved as a 4-H member?
California 4-H (UC ANR) collects an annual fee for 4-H membership and provides fee assistance to those that qualify.
Club dues vary by clubs and generally go towards club activities/events. Projects may or may not request contributions or material funds from their members.
Can I join Projects from other Clubs?
Yes, 4-H Members can sign up for projects across any club within their county. To join another club's project as a Homesteaders member, contact their project leader directly and enroll in their club's project on 4-H Online.
What amount of activities could I expect as a 4-H member?
The amount varies depending on the quantity of projects a member enrolls in, a 4-H member must be enrolled in at least one project. At a minimum, there would be a monthly General Meeting by their club, plus any Project Meetings the member enrolled in. Each project has its own meeting schedule, which varies from bi-weekly to bi-monthly meetings. A member is able to control their own level of activity based on which and how many projects they join. Project Leaders generally publish their meeting schedules for members to review before enrollment.
"Members participating for the first time may be encouraged to take on only one or two projects. As members gain experience, the size or depth of the project may increase or additional projects may be selected. Some project groups meet once a week, while others might meet once or twice a month. The purpose of these meetings is to guide the members in gaining knowledge, attitudes, skills, and habits needed to successfully navigate educational and professional pursuits, and their role as citizens in a complex world."
Are Parents/Guardians/Adult Participants also considered 4-H members?
Membership is only for youth within the qualified age range(s). These adults are encouraged to become an Adult Volunteer which adds great value to 4-H and the youth that it serves.
How can a 4-H member become a Project Leader? There's no project for something I'm interested in?
As 4-H projects are run by a club member and their adult volunteer, sometimes you might not find a project you want if there is no one running it. Projects also vary year by year due to this. We encourage 4-H members, who feel ready, to consider becoming a potential Project Leader. To learn more, please reach out to your Club Leadership and review some Projects Sheets if you are interested in starting/reviving a project for your club.
4-H is a project-oriented national youth development organization. For California, we are managed under the University of California 4-H program consisting of local clubs across the state. [An example: National 4-H > State 4-H > County 4-H > Local 4-H Clubs > 4-H Projects within each Club]
These 4-H clubs are run by their members (youth) while the adults (parents/guardians/etc.) offer assistance and guidance throughout. Each of these clubs provide a selection of 4-H Projects (run by members and their volunteer adults) ranging from animal/livestock, to leadership and technology projects, and more.
4-H memberships operate on an annual basis and range from 5yrs to 19yrs old. A potential member would join a local club as their "Home" Club and participate in general club meetings and activities with their Home Club. That member must also join at least one project, with the flexibility to choose projects even beyond their Home Club. A unique feature to 4-H is the flexibility to join projects from any county club, not limited to just their local Home Club.
Step by Step Instructions to joining 4-H here.
How can I get more information on project(s)?
Email [email protected] for project information
Are there mandatory commitments as a 4-H member?
The Homesteaders 4-H Club does not have mandatory commitments for general members. Officer or Project Leader role(s) do come with responsibilities.
What fees or expenditures are involved as a 4-H member?
California 4-H (UC ANR) collects an annual fee for 4-H membership and provides fee assistance to those that qualify.
Club dues vary by clubs and generally go towards club activities/events. Projects may or may not request contributions or material funds from their members.
Can I join Projects from other Clubs?
Yes, 4-H Members can sign up for projects across any club within their county. To join another club's project as a Homesteaders member, contact their project leader directly and enroll in their club's project on 4-H Online.
What amount of activities could I expect as a 4-H member?
The amount varies depending on the quantity of projects a member enrolls in, a 4-H member must be enrolled in at least one project. At a minimum, there would be a monthly General Meeting by their club, plus any Project Meetings the member enrolled in. Each project has its own meeting schedule, which varies from bi-weekly to bi-monthly meetings. A member is able to control their own level of activity based on which and how many projects they join. Project Leaders generally publish their meeting schedules for members to review before enrollment.
"Members participating for the first time may be encouraged to take on only one or two projects. As members gain experience, the size or depth of the project may increase or additional projects may be selected. Some project groups meet once a week, while others might meet once or twice a month. The purpose of these meetings is to guide the members in gaining knowledge, attitudes, skills, and habits needed to successfully navigate educational and professional pursuits, and their role as citizens in a complex world."
Are Parents/Guardians/Adult Participants also considered 4-H members?
Membership is only for youth within the qualified age range(s). These adults are encouraged to become an Adult Volunteer which adds great value to 4-H and the youth that it serves.
How can a 4-H member become a Project Leader? There's no project for something I'm interested in?
As 4-H projects are run by a club member and their adult volunteer, sometimes you might not find a project you want if there is no one running it. Projects also vary year by year due to this. We encourage 4-H members, who feel ready, to consider becoming a potential Project Leader. To learn more, please reach out to your Club Leadership and review some Projects Sheets if you are interested in starting/reviving a project for your club.