Shop Class
Interested in woodworking? Take those skills further through a 4-H project.
What is 4-H?
4-H is a place where young people learn by doing — and grow by taking on real responsibility.
Explore
Youth choose projects and activities that match their interests and curiosity. Along the way, they discover new skills, become leaders, and serve their communities.
Learn by Doing
4-H members build, create, raise, train, prepare, and perform. These are real experiences, not worksheets.
Grow
By reflecting on their experiences, sharing what they have learned, youth develop confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills.
Take an interest further
Start with what they already love.
4-H does not always have to be one more thing on the calendar. A project can help your child get more out of something they are already interested in.
A New Camera
Already experimenting with photography? Learn more, practice with a purpose and get feedback on your work.
Reading
Even something your child is already doing for school can become an opportunity to set a goal and go a little deeper.
Music or Theater
Performing arts can become part of the 4-H experience too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Club meetings are generally once a month.
- 4-H is family-supported, not a drop-off activity. A parent or caregiver attends meetings and helps their child follow through.
- Your child can start with one project. They can add more if and when they want to.
- Much of the project work happens on your family's schedule.
- Extra volunteering is optional. Families are welcome to help more when they have the interest and capacity, but joining 4-H does not mean automatically taking on a leadership position.
Built to fit real life. Families can start small, participate at their own pace, and become more involved over time if they choose.
- The current Kansas 4-H program fee is $15 per member per year.
- Families generally provide the materials needed for the projects their child chooses.
- Optional trips, camps, or special events may have additional costs.
- Some clubs have funds available to help members take advantage of larger opportunities.
4-H is high value at a low cost. Thanks to public support and dedicated volunteers, 4-H provides year-round opportunities at a fraction of the cost of many youth activities.
- 4-H is designed for school-aged youth, but it is really a family activity.
- Families often attend club meetings together.
- Children ages 5-6 can enroll as Cloverbuds, where they explore a variety of 4-H experiences rather than focusing on specific projects.
- Youth ages 7-18 participate as regular 4-H members and can choose from a wide variety of projects and activities.
Any school-aged child can participate in 4-H. Whether they're 8 or 18, it's never too late to get started.
- Each club has its own meeting time and location.
- Most clubs meet once a month.
- Meetings are held in several towns locations throughout the district.
- Some clubs meet on weekday evenings, while others meet on weekends.
Choose the time and location that works best for your family.
The goal is not to be perfect...
The goal is to keep growing.
Callie says:
"4-H has helped me become a better leader and come out of my comfort zone to do public speaking and meet new people."
Jonas Says:
"Doing the projects in 4-H has allowed me to do and create what I love and get constructive feedback to better improve my skills."
Your family can start small...
and grow into 4-H at a pace that works for you.
DJ says:
"I would recommend every kid at least try 4-H because I have had so many opportunities and fun experiences I never would have had if it wasn't for the opportunities in 4-H."
Russell says:
"I like 4-H because it is a way to try new things. It is a way to figure out what things you like doing and gives you ideas for future careers."