4-H Clubs

4-H Clubs provide a wide variety of opportunities for young people aged 5-to-19. More than 300 youth are enrolled in our 4-H Club program, in groups that are as varied as your imagination. Members of 4-H clubs are learning about environmental issues, veterinary medicine, science, engineering and technology (SET), sewing skills, healthy lifestyles, and having fun in the process!

If youth have a hobby or interest that they would like to explore, and enjoy being with friends, join a 4-H club where members learn something new while having fun, improving communication and leadership skills, and serving their community. If there isn't already a 4-H club that meets your needs, our 4-H staff can help a parent or adult volunteer organize and support a club.

Franklin County 4-H Club Opportunities:

• Dairy
• Poultry
• Horse
• Beef
• Goat
• Sheep
• Traditional including Community Service, Public Speaking, STEM and More
• Independent Members

If you would like to provide positive opportunities to youth in your area, consider becoming a new club leader in your community. 4-H staff provides orientation, on-going training, access to resources and help you build connections to other leaders. 

Youth today have an unprecedented array of sports, clubs, activities, lessons and entertainment options to choose from in their free time. And for many youth, these activities will provide the foundation on which they develop their personalities and life skills.

For young people who choose to be part of a 4-H Club, research shows they are more likely to be educationally motivated, have higher self esteem and communicate more maturely than their peers.

A 2003 study of 4-H alumni showed that club membership improved responsibility, confidence, leadership, project and presentation skills. Members also learned how to handle competition; feel more at east in relating to new people, and developed good sportsmanship skills.

Subject matter skills taught in projects are the foundation for the youth development that occurs in 4-H. Learning to prepare meals, give a presentation, repair machinery, ride a horse and care for others are just a few of the skills taught in 4-H that can be of economic, social and/or personal value to youth in their future.

Youth and early adolescence are times of rapid change in young people. 4-H Clubs have the opportunity to strengthen family ties and create good citizens.

Last updated November 29, 2023