FAQs

Ingham County MSUE 4-H Youth Development
Frequently Asked Questions
Bringing Knowledge to Life!

What is 4-H?

4-H is a fun, educational program designed to help kids learn more about topics they are interested in. 4-H is a great way to make new friends, and join in fun activities with people your own age. The mission of Michigan's 4-H Youth Development is to create environments, through collaborations, that build strong and healthy youth who are proactive in a complex and changing world.

With clubs dating back to the year 1905, 4-H is one of the oldest youth serving organizations in the world. 4-H programs are instrumental in building life skills in youth such as leadership, communication, citizenship and career development. Adult volunteers support 4-H programs by working interactively with the young people and serving as positive role models. Both members and leaders participate in local meetings with their clubs and may also take part in the annual county fair. 4-H youth programs are found in rural, suburban and urban areas throughout the world.

Who can join 4-H?

4-H is open to all youth aged 5-19 in rural, suburban and urban areas. Because working with 5-8 year olds is more activity-oriented and is different from the older members which tend to be project-oriented, there is a special program set up for this age group. This allows 5-8 year old members to experience 4-H in a non-competitive mode. 4-H is open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status or family status.

How can I become involved in 4-H?

There are many ways a youth or an adult may become involved in 4-H. Youth who are interested in joining an existing 4-H club can visit Club Information to identify an existing club in their area. Contact the Ingham County MSU Extension office at (517) 676-7296 to obtain the contact information for the club that interests you. When you are considering joining an existing club, you may want to explore the following:

Verify the time and locations of the club meetings.
What project areas does the club offer?
Are there dues associated with the club?
Does the club participate in the fair?

If you are unable to find a club that meets your needs and/or are interested in organizing a new 4-H club, please contact the Ingham County MSU Extension office.

What costs are involved in 4-H?

Youth participants in 4-H clubs help support 4-H program development through an annual $10 participant fee. Some groups may charge dues to cover expenses, and some project areas may require financial investments for supplies, equipment and travel.

What are the advantages to being involved in 4-H?

One advantage is that boys and girls work together in 4-H. There are no gender specific activities because working well with others is a valuable life skill. Another advantage involves experiential learning. By being involved in hands on learning projects, youth develop skills which will help them to be successful now and in the future. Parents and other caring adult volunteers are the key to the success of each 4-H member. 4-H youth programs provide various opportunities for adult participation.

What do the four H's stand for?

As an active participant in 4-H youth programs, each youth and adult pledges their head to clearer thinking, their heart to greater loyalty, their hands to larger service, and their health to better living.

The Ingham County 4-H Youth Program also provides volunteer experiences for students and other community members interested in a valuable volunteer experience. Contact the Ingham County MSU Extension office for more information.