4-H Club Resources

A 4-H club is a place where young people and adults come together to do things that help them: 

• Be what they want to be. 
• Think and learn about what interests them most. 
• Share how they feel about their activities and their lives in general. 
• Do fun things that also help them learn more. 
• Relate to peers and the adults in their lives in positive ways. 

Clubs helps volunteers build significant relationships with members. The projects youth complete while in a club help attract new members and build the knowledge and skills needed for youth to develop themselves into great human beings. 4-H club members and leaders decide together what activities and goals to pursue, based on their common interests.

Clubs are sanctioned by their county MSU Extension office and given permitted to use the 4-H name and emblem. Clubs should have both youth and adult leaders and practice democratic principles. 4-H clubs are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.

A 4-H club includes the following:

• At least five youth members from two or more families
• One or (preferably) more caring adult volunteers working with members, teen leaders and parents
• A structure that gives members the shared responsibility for making decisions and operating the club (this may be done with elected officers)
• An organized, fun and educational program planned by members, volunteers and parents
• Six or (preferably) more club meetings during the year
• Participation in learning experiences outside of the local group
• Involvement in the community such as community service
• Personal evaluation and recognition of progress on individual and group goals

4-H Club Middle Managers

A 4-H club middle manager is a volunteer liaison between 4-H county staff members and 4-H club leaders. Their role is to improve the Michigan 4-H club program, increase the flow of information between club leaders and county staff members, and help county staff members organize administrative paperwork. 4-H club middle managers can be anyone over the age of 21 who is seeking a way to volunteer and become active in their community. This position provides an excellent opportunity for the volunteer to learn the workings of 4-H. To become a 4-H club middle manager, please contact your county MSU Extension office.

Contact

For more information on how to get involved in a 4-H club as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:

Jennifer Weichel, MSU Extension Educator
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)