4-H News & Updates:
*Check out the “News & Events” tab for more information on calendar events and blog postings.
*The current and past “4-H Newsletters” tab has information and updates concerning 4-H events, deadlines, camps, etc.
*The Facebook page “Lincoln County Colorado Extension” also provides recent updates, additional learning opportunities, news, and forms/applications.
About 4-H
What Is 4-H?
“4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.” 4-H is a non-formal educational program and an organization for all youth without discrimination. It is delivered by Cooperative Extension through more than a 100 public universities.
What is the purpose of 4-H?
The purpose of 4-H is to enable young people to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and form attitudes that enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.
What are the advantages of being in 4-H?
Young people in 4-H have an opportunity to “learn by doing” to:
- Develop as an individual.
- Learn lifelong skills related to each project.
- Make new friends through 4-H meetings, events, and activities.
- Work with mentors and volunteers.
- Develop pride as they learn by doing.
- Develop leadership skills and the ability to speak before a group.
- Explore projects that can lead to future careers.
Join 4-H
How can I become a 4-H Member?
- Check out the below minimum requirements to participate in 4-H in Lincoln County. For questions, please contact the Extension office.
- Check out the listing of available clubs and contact the leader to see if that club would be a good fit.
- Enroll or Re-enroll in 4H Online by going to Colorado 4H Online (co.4honline.com). Enrollment Directions-Under “Family Resources” will help you complete the process. Please check your email (including junk folders) for an email that enrollment is “pending.” *All information areas including signatures and medical releases must be completed. Members must be enrolled in at least one project per year. Enrollment will be reviewed and approved or sent back (if needed) to the member/family for additional information by the county.
- Project Add/Drop Deadline is March 1. If you do not think you will complete a project or would like to add one, this will be the final date for project changes.
- Shooting sports members who participate in that project are required to complete a hunter’s safety certification course by March 1 to be eligible to participate in live fire activities.
- Fair deadlines- Please see the fair book for deadlines, fees, and requirements.
- Each 4-H year runs from October through September of the next year.
- Enrollment Deadlines-
- New & Returning Members- February 1 to ensure that members can successfully complete all club activities and enroll for project exhibition at the fair.* Enrollment in 4-H is open year-round, however, some limitations on exhibits or activities may occur due to deadlines and project requirements.
- Leaders, volunteers, and foundation members-Enrollment deadline is February 1. *Annual re-enrollment must be completed to avoid losing your volunteer and additional training status. A new volunteer certification will be required for any subsequent years of enrollment as a volunteer.
- Fees
- Enrollment fees are $18/member. Enrollment fees are paid to the club directly. *Fees subject to change each year. Please check with your club for verification of the current fee.
- Late fees for re-enrollment is $20/member payable directly to the Extension office. *The $18 regular fee is also required to be paid to the club separately.
- Shooting Sports members must also pay an additional fee per enrolled shooting sports discipline to the Extension office. Contact the office for more information.
- There are no fees for leaders or volunteers.
- Other fees or expenses may be required for other projects and activities.
Lincoln County 4-H minimum eligibility requirements for enrollment in a 4-H Club:
- Reside or own property in Lincoln County.
- Attend school in Lincoln County.
- Live within 10 miles of the Lincoln County line.
- Must be between ages 8-18 as of December 31st of previous year.
Minimum Yearly Club & County Requirements:
- Participate in one demonstration, illustrated talk, or public presentation.
- Participate in one community service project.
- Complete an exhibit and record book for each project and showcase that project either at the fair or somewhere else or turn in the items to the office for completion.
- Pay all required fees (including annual club dues), including late fees where applicable.
- Complete all additional club-level activities.
Volunteer
Volunteers are at the heart of the 4-H program. Thousands of dedicated adult and youth volunteers help members each year in many capacities. They help provide leadership, project resources, mentoring, financial support, and other support including working on committees or foundations. There is always a need for volunteers in the 4-H program and we encourage anyone interested in volunteering to contact the office for more information or to check out the following links.
*To transport children, directly help with 4-H activities and events, or to chaperone you must be a certified 4-H volunteer. This helps to ensure the safety of our 4-H member and helps reduce liability for our volunteers.
