Join 4-H - Ages 5 - 19

What can I expect from 4-H Youth Development Programming?

Young people living out their dreams with the support of caring adults.
Families gathering together for fun, hands-on learning and community service.
Making great friends and building a community.
Exploration of interests with like-minded people.
Experiment activities that build life skills and career exploration.
Developing leadership and confidence in both adults and youth.
opportunities to evaluate youth's work.
Learning you can make a difference in your community, or even your state
Exposure to diverse ideas and age-appropriate resources.
Giving youth an opportunity to grow into their unique personalities.

Additional benefits of 4-H membership:

Kent County 4H Connections monthly e-Newsletter
Invitations to 4-H-only events, such as 4-H Explorer Recognition for ages 5 - 8
Discounted pricing on workshops provided by Michigan 4-H
Scholarship and recognition opportunities

Contact a Kent 4-H program coordinator to get more information about clubs and programs near you.

Please answer the following questions to speed up the process:

What is your name and contact information?
Please provide your phone number and mailing address so we can send you an information packet.
What type of project(s) is your family interested in pursuing through 4-H?
There are many projects that youth can participate in through the 4-H program.
If you don't see what you're looking for here, please 4-H staff about starting a new club!

What types of projects are available in Kent County?

The options in bold have existing clubs or programs in our county. Other projects have statewide programs for youth and we're always looking for new volunteers to share their talents with youth in other areas? If you see a project area you would be interested in leading, please contact us to get started today!

Animal Science

Alpacas & Llamas
Dogs
Horse, Pony & Horseless
Rabbits & Guinea Pigs
Beef, Sheep & Swine
Goats
Poultry & Embryology
Cats
Veterinary Science

Environmental & Outdoor Education

Shooting Sports
Outdoor Adventure Challenge
Wildlife & Fisheries

Visual Arts

Clothing & Textiles
Clowning
Arts & Crafts

Personal Development

Global Exchange Program
Teen Leadership
Food & Nutrition
Health & Fitness
Career Exploration
Citizenship & Service Learning
Business & Entrepreneurship
Financial Literacy

Science, Technology & Engineering

Garden Science
Robotics
Mechanical Science
Aerospace
GPS/GIS
Computers
Digital Technology

FAQ: Kent County 4-H Frequent Asked Questions

Is it too late to sign up for 4-H this year?

Some 4-H clubs close membership to new members after a certain date due to their educational plans and calendars. However, Kent County 4-H has open enrollment to new 4-H members all year. It is important to note that there may deadlines for events that are operated independently from Kent County 4-H clubs (state 4-H shows/programs, fairs, etc.).

How do I enroll in 4-H?

If you are not a member of a 4-H club, please contact a 4-H program coordinator for instructions and 4-H clubs with openings for new members.
If you are already a member of a 4-H club or when you make contact with a club accepting members, you can complete your enrollment online.
Once you are established in a 4-H club, your 4-H leader will provide annual instructions for enrollment and you will receive reminders via 4-H newsletters.

Where can I find a list of 4-H clubs that are offered in Kent County?

Kent 4-H club leaders are volunteers – their contact information is private. In appropriate circumstances, such as a family looking for a 4-H project club, Kent 4-H program coordinators will provide information on how to contact a 4-H club leader.

We do not provide lists of clubs, leaders or members to unauthorized parties.

What is the cost for 4-H?

The annual participation fee per youth is $20 or a maximum $60 per immediate family.
We are unable to process online payments - participation fees are payable by check (made payable to: MSU) or cash to our office.
Youth can join more than one club - the participation fee is only an annual payment to participate in 4-H programming.
Some 4-H projects have additional costs for supplies, equipment, travel, etc. Ask your 4-H leader about costs associated with your 4-H club or project. 4-H clubs can fundraise to offset costs for club activities or supplies, one of the benefits of 501(c)3 organization status. All fundraisers must be approved by 4-H staff.

What are the ages for the Michigan 4-H program?

“4-H age” will be determined by a young person’s age as of January 1.
Michigan 4-H Youth Development programs are open to young people aged 5 through 19.