We are pleased you joined 4‑H! 4‑H is the largest youth development organization in the country with nearly six million youth involved. One in six adults are 4‑H alumni. The main focus of 4‑H is to empower youth to develop their leadership, community service, and life skills by working with dedicated and caring adult volunteers and staff through a "learn by doing" approach and brining university research directly to communities.

4‑H is for all youth, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status, from grades K–13 (one year out of high school). This guide is for new 4‑H members and their families.

What is a project area: The subject matter in which you are learning through the program, such as cooking, sewing, rocketry, horses, etc.

New Jersey 4‑H member in good standing policy:

• Attend 70% of 4‑H meetings
• Complete a record book (if applicable)
• Complete a presentation at the club level or higher
• Participate in 4‑H sponsored community service project

Where to seek answers: First check with your 4‑H leader (if applicable) then your county 4‑H office. Do not be afraid to ask questions! 4‑H is a learning environment for all family members.

Read the newsletter: Most counties publish a newsletter that includes important dates and upcoming opportunities. Make sure to read and reach out if you have any new ideas to offer or any questions.

Other opportunities to become involved: 4‑H provides opportunities on the state, national, and international levels, such as camp, state presentations, state shows, Ignite by 4‑H, Citizen Washington Focus (CWF), 4‑H Congress, 4‑H Conference, international exchange programs, Global Explorers, and Leadership for Life.

Guardian Information

Where to register your youth member: All youth must be registered with the online enrollment database, ZSuite.

Who is working with the youth members: All 4‑H programs have at least two trained and vetted volunteers or paid 4‑H staff.

How to support your 4‑H'er:

• Parents and caregivers are encouraged to get involved in their local 4‑H club by volunteering in ways that match their interests and availability. You can help by leading a community service project, serving as a volunteer leader, providing healthy snacks, or lending a hand in other meaningful ways.
• Ask your club leader or paid 4‑H professional how to help.
• Let your youth member take charge of their project, even when struggling. 4‑H is about individual growth and development; learning by doing is the 4‑H way.
• Assist your member in understanding the value of having projects, duties, timelines, working with others, and their role as a 4‑H member.
• Model positive behavior around all youth members
• Teach your member the importance of following through with a commitment and communicating when that commitment cannot be fulfilled or needs help.

Make sure you have reviewed the New Jersey 4‑H Code of Conduct below with your family:

As a participant in the 4‑H program, I will:

• Conduct myself in a courteous manner and treat members, parents, 4‑H volunteers, Extension staff, judges and others with respect. Appropriate language and behavior are expected at all times.
• Respect and adhere to the rules and guidelines of the 4‑H program, including all those specific to a 4‑H event or activity.
• Uphold an individual's right to dignity by supporting an environment of inclusion which welcomes involvement of participants from all backgrounds.
• Accept supervision and support from county and state 4‑H staff while participating in the 4‑H program. This includes acceptance of supervision and support from appointed 4‑H volunteers coordinating 4‑H events and activities.
• Obey local, state, and federal laws.

Have Questions?

Contact your local Rutgers Cooperative Extension office.

Q. What is 4‑H?

It is the largest youth development organization in the country with nearly 6 million youth involved. One in six adults are 4‑H alumni. The main focus of 4‑H is to empower youth to develop their leadership, community service, and life skills by working with dedicated and caring adult volunteers and staff through a "learn by doing" approach and brining university research directly to communities.

Q. Who can participate?

Any child in grades K–13 (one year out of high school), regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, or genetic information, may participate. It is an opportunity for ALL! Youth in grades K-3 are regarded as Cloverbuds and youth in grades 4-13 are standard members.

Q. Do you have to live on or near a farm to participate?

No! While 4‑H is rooted in agriculture and county fairs, it has spread to 3,150 counties in the United States and more than 80 other countries. It involves much more than agricultural learning. Nearly 3.1 million urban and suburban youth take part in the program.

Q. Do you have to own an animal to participate?

No! 4‑H has many interest areas that do not involve animals, such as robotics, sewing, and cooking. However, if you are interested in joining an animal program, there are leasing options that typically are at no cost to the member or family.

Q. In what ways do youth participate in 4‑H?

4‑H reaches youth through clubs, special interest groups, short-term enrichment programs, in-school programs, camps, and after school enrichment. There are opportunities on the local, state, national, and international levels.

Q. What happens in 4‑H?

4‑H concentrates on positive youth development by building leadership skills, encouraging individual growth through mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity. Youth make long-life friends, actively participate in their community, hold officer positions, and more.

Q. Is there a cost to participate in 4‑H?

New Jersey 4‑H does not have a generalized registration fee. Clubs may charge nominal dues to cover supply costs. Please speak with your Extension office if there are financial difficulties in paying any program fees.

Q. How is 4‑H structured?

4‑H is a nationwide youth development program built on strong partnerships at the federal, state, and local levels.

• Federal Level: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides national leadership, resources, and support for the 4‑H program.
• State Level: Each state administers 4‑H through its land-grant university. In New Jersey, 4‑H is part of Rutgers University, through Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
• Local Level: County 4‑H programs are delivered by Rutgers Cooperative Extension in partnership with county commissioners, local volunteers, and community organizations, ensuring that programs meet the needs of local youth and families.

Q. How do I sign up?

Contact your local Rutgers Cooperative Extension office. Local information can be found on the Rutgers Cooperative Extension website.

Based on the work of Keith G. Diem, Ph.D. Program Leader in Educational Design. Revised October 1991, 2001, 2003, 2024, and 2026.

November 2026