4-H in Ada County

4-H

In 4-H, we are developing citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills of youth through experiential learning and a positive youth development approach, with a focus on agriculture, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), civic engagement and healthy living.

Youth ages 5-18 in Ada County can become a member of a 4-H club, attend various camps, participate in an afterschool program and grow as leaders through district and statewide events and opportunities. Our programs are designed to spark curiosity and build lifelong skills – whether you’re new to 4-H or a returning member, there’s always something new to explore.

To learn more about 4-H in Idaho, visit the UI Extension 4-H Youth Development website.

Contact Ada County 4-Hadacounty4h@uidaho.edu

What is 4-H?

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, with over 6.5 million members nationwide — and thousands here in Idaho. In 4-H, children and teenagers build confidence and gain lifelong skills. Through hands-on learning in clubs, camps and community programs, Idaho youth explore their passions, connect with others and make a difference — in a safe, welcoming environment.

Clubs and projects

4-H empowers young people with hands-on learning experiences in a variety of project areas to help them grow and thrive. From rabbits to robots, food science to fashion design, and archery to photography, there’s a 4-H activity for everyone. Clubs also participate in community service projects. We offer more than 30 clubs in Ada County – contact our office to find a club near you and start making friends, learning new skills and becoming a better you.

Projects

As part of a 4-H club, youth enroll in at least one project each year. As members gain experience, the depth of a project may increase, or additional projects may be selected. Projects are overseen by adult mentors who guide members in gaining knowledge and skills. Some project groups meet weekly, while others may meet once or twice a month. Completed projects are then showcased at local county fairs.

Agriculture projects

In Ada County, many youth participate in small animal projects to learn how to properly care for their animals and learn how to present them in public settings. Many members complete projects with dogs, cats, chickens, guinea pigs (also known as cavies), rabbits, pygmy goats, hedgehogs and more.

Livestock projects focus on larger animals such as beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas. Horse is one of our most in-demand programs, whether youth work with mini horses, build riding skills or train wild mustangs through our partnership with the Bureau of Land Management.

4-H members must make their own arrangements to keep and care for animals – animals are not provided by 4-H.

STEM projects

4-H offers many projects related to science, technology, engineering and math, including robotics, drones, coding, financial literacy and 3-D printing.

Healthy living projects

Idaho’s 4-H healthy living projects help youth lead lives that balance physical, mental and emotional health. Projects related to healthy living include cooking, sewing, crafting, shooting sports, photography, food science and more.

Civic engagement and leadership projects

4-H civic engagement and leadership projects empower young people to be well-informed citizens who are actively engaged in their communities and the world. Youth have the opportunity to participate in Know Your Government, State Teen Association Convention, 4-H LEADS, Citizenship Washington Focus and National 4-H Congress among other opportunities.

Explore the full list of 4-H projects and contact our office to see which are offered in Ada County.

Camps

4-H offers a variety of day camps and overnight camps related to specific topics. Contact the UI Extension, Ada County office at adacounty4h@uidaho.edu or 208-287-5900 to learn more about our specific camp offerings.

How to join 4-H

Fill out the Ada County interest form to identify what clubs, projects or programs you are interested in.
Our office will contact our club leaders to help place you in a 4-H club. If a club is already filled or if you don’t see projects you’re interested in already offered in Ada County, we can help you start a new 4-H club.
After receiving confirmation of club placement, enroll for your selected club and project through our enrollment system, ZSuite. View step by step enrollment instructions.
Pay enrollment fees ($30 for horse projects; $25 for any other project) online through our Idaho Marketplace store. Payment is only accepted after youth participants are registered on ZSuite.

View the 4-H Family Handbook for more information on getting started with 4-H in Idaho.

Cloverbuds

Cloverbuds is an educational program designed to introduce children ages 5-7 to a variety of 4-H project areas in a fun, non-competitive way. Cloverbuds are only allowed to show lap animals and are not able to participate in large animal, ATV or shooting sports projects. Fair exhibits by Cloverbuds are noncompetitive and optional. Learn more about the Cloverbud program in Idaho.

Other ways to be involved

Volunteers

4-H volunteers coordinate clubs, lead 4-H projects and help plan and conduct local, regional, state and national 4-H events. Our volunteers are vital to the success of our programs. All 4-H volunteers are certified by UI Extension. Contact us at adacounty4h@uidaho.edu or 208-287-5900 to request an application.

The perks of being a volunteer include being first to hear about events, updates and changes for 4-H in Ada County; volunteer continuing education; one Western Idaho Fair pass and one Western Idaho Fair livestock parking pass; helping youth grow and succeed.

Ada County 4-H Endowment Board

Our endowment board focuses on awarding programmatic scholarships or equipment for 4-H youth to engage in programs that may be too costly. If you are in financial need or would like to donate to help support 4-H youth programs, please contact the UI Extension, Ada County office at 208-287-5900 or adacounty4h@uidaho.edu.

Ada County 4-H-FFA Junior Livestock Sale Committee

Our committee of volunteers directs the Junior Livestock Sale at the Western Idaho Fair. If you are interested in helping support 4-H youth by purchasing an animal for home or restaurant use or would like to submit an “add-on” donation to a specific or group of youth market animal projects without buying an animal, please contact the UI Extension, Ada County office at 208-287-5900 or adacounty4h@uidaho.edu.

Documents and forms

Below are various documents and forms that are specific to Ada County. For statewide forms, please visit the main UI Extension 4-H Youth Development website.

Small animal and livestock