About 4-H
Welcome to the Rock County 4-H!
Our programs center on the 4-Hs—head, heart, hands, and health. This is the foundation for everything we do. With more than 23 4-H community clubs in Rock County, there is a club for you!
What is 4-H?
4‐H is the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization. In Wisconsin, more than 26,000 youth are members of 4-H. The 4-H programming aims to engage youth ages 5‐19 to learn important life skills like leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and communication to help prepare them for successful futures – and they do it while engaging in fun, hands‐on 4‐H activities!
4-H Vision
A world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change.
4-H Pledge
I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service, and my HEALTH to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
4-H Mission
4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults.
What makes 4-H different?
4‐H is unique because it is the only youth organization tied to the research base of our nation’s land‐grant university system. This connection allows the University of Wisconsin‐Madison, Division of Extension staff, and the volunteers they work with, to receive training based on the most up‐to‐date research on youth development theory and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
NEW TO 4-H
What is 4-H membership?
A child becomes a 4-H member by joining a community 4-H club or an after school 4-H club. New members are welcome to visit 4-H club meetings and join 4-H at any time during the year. Membership is open to all youth regardless of their ethnic background, race, gender, handicap status, religious or political beliefs.
How do I try 4-H before joining?
Check out 4-H curriculum to try at home. Thanks to Milton Public Library, 4-H materials can be checked out through the Share catalog. Rock County 4-H also created several book club in a bag opportunities for youth and families. Search ‘Book Club Bag Family’ for ‘Separate is Never Equal’ and ‘American as Paneer Pie’.
Sign up for CLOVER by 4-H. This is an interactive, e-learning platform.
How much does 4-H cost?
- Rock County dues are $5 per child, and are paid to your home club.
- We want all youth to have the opportunity to participate. If enrollment dues are a financial barrier, please contact the Extension Educator to discuss scholarship options.
- Rock County 4-H Leader’s Council has a suggested contribution of $15 per child. Rock County 4-H Leader’s Council donations are paid to your home club.
- Additional paperwork and/or fees may be required by your club. Please check with your club leader for specific requirements.
When can youth join 4-H
Youth in Kindergarten (5K), first or second grade as of October 1st may join Rock County 4-H as Cloverbuds. Youth in third grade and up as of October 1st may join as regular members. Youth continue to be eligible for 4-H membership through the next 4-H year following their high school graduation and not to extend beyond the age of 19 at the time of enrollment.
How do I enroll in Rock County 4-H?
The first step is to select a club. Check out the 4-H Club Map & Meeting Information for details. Feel free to contact a few clubs and/or visit their meetings to help determine which club is a good fit for your family. Introduce yourself to the club leader as a prospective 4-H family. Club leaders will have further enrollment information. New members may join at any time but must be enrolled by March 1st to exhibit at the Rock County 4-H fair that year.
Next, select the projects (educational content areas) in which you are interested in learning about.
When you have selected your projects, you are ready to enroll through 4HOnline! Instructions for enrolling are found here:
Enrolling in 4HOnline as a NEW family
Finally, be SURE to attend the next meeting of your 4-H club! Then keep attending meetings, get involved in your projects, participate in club and county 4-H activities, and have a GREAT year in Rock County 4-H!
In how many 4-H projects may a 4-H member enroll?
There is no limit to the number of projects in which a 4-H member may enroll. However, members must achieve each year by meeting the requirements listed in the next paragraph.
Do I have to re-enroll in 4-H?
Yes. Youth previously enrolled in 4-H must re-enroll annually. Remember to enroll in Rock County 4-H by logging onto 4-H Online. If you were previously enrolled, please update any changes to phone, email, or address so that your 4-H club and Extension Office have your most current information!
All 4-H members encouraged to enroll prior to November 1.
VOLUNTEER WITH 4-H
What do 4-H Volunteers do?
Please consider sharing your time and talents as an adult 4-H Volunteer! If you are interested in leading a project or activity, or chaperoning an event, becoming a 4-H Volunteer is the first step.
How do I become a 4-H Volunteer?
Training is one way that 4-H invests in you, the volunteers who support young people who participate in the program. In the same way that 4-H youth strive to “make the best better,” we as adults can continue to learn and grow throughout our lives. We invite you to explore more about how to ensure youth are thriving through Wisconsin 4-H.
Whether you are a new or returning volunteer, you can find an overview of all required 4-H Volunteer trainings here.
Wisconsin 4-H Policy Information
Wisconsin 4-H operates within the guidelines, policies, and procedures of the University of Madison Division of Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture. Check Out all the Wisconsin 4-H Policies for 4-H Membership & Participation, 4-H Camps, 4-H Projects & Activities, and more here. These policies are established to ensure the educational and administrative integrity of all Wisconsin 4-H programs and activities administered by 4-H staff and 4-H volunteers.