How to Join

For Youth (ages 5-19)

All youth and adults desiring to join 4-H must enroll annually (September 1 through August 31st). 4-H Enrollment is conducted by the 4-H Club. Click community clubs to find a 4H club in your area, or contact the County 4-H Office for more information.

Youth are eligible to participate in 4-H if they meet the following criteria:

Primary Members (also called Minimembers) - Must be 5 years old or in kindergarten by December 31 of the program year. Primary members cannot enroll in large animal projects. Youth enrolling or turning nine after December 31 must participate as a Primary Member until the end of the program year.
4-H Members - Must be 9 years old or in 4th grade by December 31 of the program year and may continue in the program until the end of the calendar year in which they become 19 years of age. Note: Home schooled youth are to enroll based on their chronological age, as of December 31.

The Youth Enrollment Form is used for youth in organized 4-H clubs, special interest and short-term programs, and 4-H Camps. Payment is required to enroll in 4-H for program fees and 4-H accident/sickness insurance.
Fees for the 2010-2011 year are $17.00. The local club mau charge an additional minimal fee to cover expenses.

4hOnline is a web-based system used to enroll youth and accept applications for adults in the California 4-H Youth Development Program. To get started using the 4-H Online System, please visit 4hOnline.com or contact your local County 4-H Office. Please note that not all counties allow youth and adults to enroll online themselves.

4-H YDP Volunteers are appointed by the County Director. The decision to appoint or not appoint a volunteer (whether initially or upon renewal) rests with the County Director, in consultation with appropriate 4-H staff. All appointments are made for the best interest of the 4-H Youth Development Program and 4-H members.

Adults are eligible to participate in 4-H if they are 18 years of age or older. A volunteer cannot simultaneously be a 4-H member. Chaperones must be 21 years of age or older (county age requirement may differ).

The Volunteer Application Form is used for adults in organized 4-H clubs and camps, and any other time where an adult will have direct contact with 4-H youth. Payment is required to enroll in 4-H for program fees and 4-H accident/sickness insurance.

To apply for 4-H, contact the adult 4-H volunteer club/camp leader or your County Office.