How to Join

How to Join - Youth Member

The process in becoming a 4-H member is as follows:

1. Choose a Club

Each club is different from one another, as they offer variety of projects, membership size, activity involvement and location. Attached is a club program brochure that goes over the clubs that are listed in Berrien County along with the contact information of the club's administrative leader. Clubs are located throughout Berrien County and are listed in the brochure by city/town.

If you are wishing to just attend state level events and not be apart of a club, that is okay as well, however, local scholarship opportunities will vary based on event. Instead of listing a club in the participation section you are will list a Resource club instead. Youth will than be open to all the opportunities in the Berrien County 4-H Youth program, however, their won’t be any monthly meetings or club functions for them to attend. It would just be the trips, camps, county events, etc. in its place. Youth are able to join multiple clubs as well.

Berrien County 4-H Program Club Brochure

 

2. Contact the Club

Families/Members wishing to join Berrien County 4-H are encouraged to the Club Coordinator/Administrative Leader listed in the club brochure. Club Coordinators will be able to provide more information about the club and the types of projects/activities the club participants in throughout the year. 

 4-H Club Directory Rack Card

 

3. Sign Up in 4-H Online

Families/Members wishing to enroll in 4-H, may do so through the 4-H Online enrollment system. For families/members who do not have access to computers or internet may fill out paper accommodations upon request. Members are grouped by families in the 4-H Online system, so you can add all youth family members who wish to join. Attached is a 4-H Online Family guide that will walk you through the process of enrolling online. If any issues do arise, please feel free to contact the Berrien County MSU Extension Office at 269-927-5674.

Online Enrollment System

4-H Online Enrollment System

These forms will help you through the 4-H Online Enrollment Process: 

4-H Online Family Guide

Paper Enrollment Forms: 

Printable forms for individuals & families who do not have access to a computer or internet. 

4-H Youth Enrollment Form with Authorizations - English

4-H Youth Enrollment Form with Authorizations - Spanish

Open Enrollment Deadline

Re-enrollment deadline in 4-H Online for returning 4-H club members is January 1, 2024. Enrollment deadline for new youth to join 4-H will be accepted until June 1, 2024. 

 

4. Get Activated

After the County 4-H office receives notification of enrollment submission, we will review the enrollment and activate the enrollment. An email will be sent to the Family email listed on the enrollment notifying of the status as Active. Once your membership is active, you can start participating in 4-H events and activities.

 

 

How to Join - 4-H Leader/Volunteer 

Volunteer Central Dashboard

Berrien County 4-H requires all potential volunteers to go through the Volunteer Selection Process. The Volunteer Selection Process involves an application, national background check, national/state Sex Offender Registry Check, interview, three references and online modules to be completed. Forms need to be submitted to the Berrien County MSU Extension office in Benton Harbor, MI. Please take time to download the Letter for potential volunteer that has directions on the process as well as go to our Volunteer Central to complete your application today!

Letter for potential volunteers

Go to MSU Extension Volunteer Central to complete an application at:   MSU Volunteer Central