Make every meeting matter: Sparking engagement in your 4-H club
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EmailInspiring youth to learn, lead and belong.
As a 4-H volunteer, you play a powerful role in helping youth grow and thrive. One of the key elements of a successful 4-H experience is engagement. In the 4-H Thriving Model, engagement is a key element to helping youth thrive and be beyond ready for what is next. When members feel connected, interested and included, they are more likely to learn, build confidence and stay in 4-H long-term.
So how do you create an engaging 4-H club? The good news is, it’s not about having perfect plans or being the most energetic leader. It’s about building an environment where youth are heard, active and valued.
An engaged 4-H club meeting is one where members are:
- Asking questions and sharing ideas.
- Working together instead of watching passively.
- Helping make decisions.
- Laughing, moving and interacting.
If youth are zoning out, whispering to each other or glued to their phones, it’s a sign that something needs to change. Engagement isn’t about forcing attention—it’s about creating opportunities for youth to take ownership.
Here are some easy strategies from Michigan State University Extension you can use to boost engagement in any club meeting or activity.
Let youth help lead
When youth have responsibility, they feel invested.
- Ask members to vote on activity choices or meeting themes.
- Rotate roles like pledge leader, snack helper, photographer or game captain.
- Form small committees to plan events or community service projects.
Make it hands-on
The 4-H motto is learn by doing—so avoid long lectures. Instead:
- Turn information into an activity (ex: instead of telling them about safety, let them demonstrate it).
- Use supplies, challenges and group problem-solving whenever possible.
- If teaching a topic, ask “What can they make, build or try right now?”
Create connections
Youth stay engaged when they feel like they belong.
- Start each meeting with a quick icebreaker or check-in.
- Pair older members with younger ones for projects or challenges.
- Celebrate birthdays, accomplishments and personal milestones.
- As simple questions, such as “How did your week go?”
Keep it fresh
Even great routines can get boring if they never change. Think of each meeting as an experience—not just a checklist. Try mixing in:
- Guest speakers or field trips.
- Service projects.
- Team games or competitions.
- Seasonal themes or surprise challenges.
You don’t need to be perfect to be a great volunteer. Just remember your goal is to create engagement. Get youth talking, doing, deciding and smiling. Start small, try one new strategy at a time. Over time, your club will naturally become a place where youth feel excited to show up, speak up and grow into engaged members of the community.
For more information about joining 4-H, visit the MSU Extension 4-H website .
For additional helpful volunteer training content, check out the MSU Extension Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar series webpage.
MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. To find out how to get involved as a youth participant or an adult volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office.
