- If you would like more information on joining 4-H click here to open the welcome 4-H information packet
The 4-H youth development program is a dynamic non-formal education program. 4-H provides opportunities to learn life skills, gain knowledge while having fun, and make contributions in such areas as environmental education, community service, and current youth issues. The 4-H program is dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to develop leadership and management skills, positive self-esteem, effective communication skills, a solid sense of personal responsibility and the ability to make sound decisions. The life-skills learned in 4-H enable youth to become productive, well-informed, self-reliant responsible adults.
Philosophy & Objectives To "learn by doing" is fundamental to any sound educational program and is characteristic of the 4-H youth development program. Informal education provided by the 4-H program enhances the basic values provided by the home, school, community, and other youth-friendly environments.
These fundamental values in 4-H address the personal qualities young people need to become productive citizens in the world today and tomorrow:
Acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes for a satisfying life. The objective is to teach 4-H members how to think, not what to think. Enjoy a useful work experience, together with the responsibility and satisfaction of personal accomplishment. Sound work habits carry over into worthwhile personal achievement. Develop leadership talents and abilities to participate effectively as members of a group. 4-H recognizes the role of citizens who actively join and participate in community groups with the guidance of friendly adults. Develop personal standards and philosophy of life based on lasting values. This includes making the world a better place for others, stressing honesty, integrity, and high standards for the individual and the group. Develop an appreciation for the importance of science, agriculture, and the home, and their relationship to the total economy. Education is the foundation of 4-H programming through its direct tie to state land-grant universities.
Facts about 4-H
4-H is the largest youth organization in the world with 7 million youth members and 603,000 volunteer leaders.
In New Mexico 4-H clubs, there are:
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More than 30,000 youths
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More than 4,000 volunteers
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More than 200 projects available
4-H offers youth:
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Membership in positive peer groups
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Year-round community clubs
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Special-interest and short-term groups
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School enrichment programs
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Leadership experiences
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Events, camps, and activities
There are also project schools, such as horse, lamb, goat, pig, and steer schools; and sewing camps.
Student scholarships are available
The following are the specific age requirements per group:
Cloverbud: Ages 5 (AND in Kindergarten) to 8 years old.
Novice: Ages 9 to 11 or age 8 AND in the 3rd grade prior to January 1 of the current 4-H year.
Junior: Ages 12 to 13. A 4-H member must have passed his/her 12th birthday or be 11 years old AND in the 6th grade but not have passed his/her 14th birthday prior to January 1 of the current 4-H program year.
Senior: Ages 14 to 19. A 4-H member must have passed his/her 14th birthday or be 13 years old AND in the 8th grade, but not have passed their 19th birthday prior to January 1 of the current 4-H program year.
How to Join San Juan County 4-H
San Juan County 4-H Enrollment is CLOSED and will reopen October 1, 2023
How to join San Juan County 4-H
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Contact the San Juan County Extension office and request a New 4-H Family Packet
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Find a club to join! The Extension office will send you a list of clubs, contact a few that meet at a time and place that works for your family. Work with the club leader to enroll in the club on Zsuites
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Create an online account to enroll 4h.zsuite.org Click here https://4h.zsuite.org/
contact the Extension office if you need assistance -
Pick your projects: There are hundreds of 4-H projects that 4-H members can participate in. Review the list and select the projects that interest you. Visit the projects website to choose, or chat with your leader about the projects that would best suit your family.
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Start having FUN in 4-H: visit the zsuites website for announcements, events and activities throughout the year.
Are you interested in becoming a 4-H Adult Volunteer Leader?
Types of Leaders
Organizational Club Leader or Assistant Club Leader
Guide the overall organization of the club, help it function smoothly and maintain communication among the member families, the club, and county. Be the primary club contact person with the county NMSU Extension staff. Time Commitment: 10-15 hours monthly
Responsibilities:
Guide operations of club including: enrollment, membership, scheduling, finances, and hosting of club meetings.
Communicate directly with NMSU Extension Agents.
Recruit members and volunteers
Keep club records
Connect members with project leaders and 4-H project books
Project Leader
Work directly with a specific 4-H project such as ceramics, leather craft or welding. Host workshops or hands on activity based programs to assist 4-H members to complete their projects. Time commitment varies based on project but in general, 4-8 workshops per year, 1-2 hours each. Individual time with members may also be required. Some projects such as shooting sports may require additional leadership training or certifications.
Responsibilities:
Knowledge of project material
Conduct project workshops
Assist members with exhibits, demonstrations and competitions
Be aware of risks and use risk management strategies related to projects
Assist in project-related activities at local and state levels
Help identify, select and support new volunteers
Activity Leader
Work directly with the Extension Agents to host educational programs for 4-H members. Examples may include hosting a parli pro workshop, or canning demonstration. Events may be single or a series.
Responsibilities:
Knowledge of project material
Conduct project workshops
Assist members with exhibits, demonstrations and competitions
Be aware of risks and use risk management strategies related to projects
Assist in project related activities at local and state levels
Help identify, select and support new volunteers
Chaperone/Transport Volunteer
Assist agents in transporting 4-H members to events and contests.
If you are passionate about working with youth and are interested in registering as a 4-H volunteer, please contact the Extension office to complete a Leader Enrollment Form. All leaders are required to complete annual working with minors training and a background check.
Augusta Ahlm
Phone: 505-334-9496
Email: arahlm@nmsu.edu
