4-H

About Garfield County 4-H

About

4-H is a year-round youth organization that exists in over 80 different countries and looks a little different everywhere you go! In the United States, 4-H is run by the Land Grant University in each state. Land Grant Universities (LGU’s) were formed thanks to the Morrill Land Grant Act passed in 1862. This act ensured that public land was given to the state to be sold, the profit from which would go toward the formation of a college to teach agriculture and mechanical arts. In Colorado, this was the beginning of Colorado State University, our LGU. The extension program was later formed as an extension of LGU’s to provide educational opportunities on the county level. One of those educational opportunities is 4-H.

The Garfield County 4-H program began in 1916 with just a few clubs. Today we have grown to over 20 active Community Clubs and three 4-H Advisory Councils! There is a lively community of 4-H members across Garfield County who are constantly learning and practicing leadership, citizenship and life skills through the projects they take on. 4-H is about having fun, learning, exploring, and discovering new things. In 4-H, young people make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and help shape their communities.

Since its humble beginnings more than 100 years ago, 4-H has grown to become the nation’s largest youth development organization. Today, 4-H meets the needs of and engages young people in positive youth development experiences. In looking to the next century, 4-H further develops its programs and continues its motto of “Making the Best Better.”

4-H gives young people a chance to pursue their own interests – from photography to computers, from building rockets to raising sheep- the list of 4-H projects is expansive. 4-H members go places – to other states, to district, state and national conferences. They learn to be leaders and active citizens.

In 4-H clubs facilitated by volunteer leaders, youth members serve as officers and learn to conduct meetings, handle club funds, and facilitate group decision-making. They give back to their communities by getting involved in volunteer projects to protect the environment, mentor younger children and help people who are less fortunate.

New members and volunteers are always welcome!

Join

Any person, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, or disability may enroll as a 4-H member.

Youth who are five through seven years of age on or before December 31, may enroll in the 4-H Cloverbud project. Youth who are eight years of age and have not reached their nineteenth birthday on or before December 31, may enroll in 4-H clubs and groups.

Contact your Garfield County 4-H Specialist, Taylor Ruckman, by email or by phone 970-625-3969 Ext. 5 to get started. To register online please go to co.4honline.com to create an account for your family and youth.

Garfield County has a $35 new member registration fee per year. Financial assistance is available on a needs basis. Please contact us for more information on financial assistance.

Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Colorado 4-H Youth Development Program! We are pleased that you are considering joining the nearly 13,000 talented, dedicated, 4-H volunteers across the state that help youth reach their full potential.

There are five required steps to becoming a Colorado 4-H volunteer:

1. Contact your Garfield County 4-H Specialist, Taylor Ruckman, by email or by phone 970-625-3969 Ext. 5 to begin the process.

2.Click here to enroll as a 4-H Volunteer!

2. Complete the online application

3. Receive two positive references

4. Complete a 4-H orientation

5. Complete the background check

Click here to enroll as a 4-H Volunteer!