4-H in Adams 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 Adams 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.
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. 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 the county fair.
Agriculture projects
In Adams County, many youth participate in livestock, small animal and horse projects to learn how to properly care for their animals and learn how to present them in public settings. 4-H members must make their own arrangements to keep and care for animals – animals are not provided by 4-H.
Horse projects
Meetings are held in Council, usually at the fairgrounds arena. Youth must own or lease a horse for at least 90 days before fair in order to ride at the meetings or at fair competitions. There are horseless project options to teach youth about horses. Participants are not eligible to ride at meetings or at the fair.
Riding helmets are required at all 4-H meetings, 4-H sponsored horse events and at fair competitions. Scholarships and discounts are available to help buy proper helmets.
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 and 4-H LEADS, among other opportunities.
Explore the full list of 4-H projects and contact our office to see which are offered in Adams County.
Clubs
Cuddy Mountain 4-H Club
This club is based in the Council area and is open to all projects. Some projects require extra meetings, including dog obedience and showmanship, horse, shooting sports and livestock.
Meadows Valley Community 4-H Club
This club is based in the New Meadows area and is open to all projects. Some projects may require extra meetings.
In-school and afterschool programs
Tater Tots kindergarten school enrichment club
This club is offered to children in the kindergarten class at Tater Tots School. Youth participate in the Acres of Adventures in Agriculture project which is completed during the program and portfolios are exhibited at the fair.
We-Can Afterschool Club
This club is offered to children in the Council We-Can afterschool program. Youth participate in the Acres of Adventures in Agriculture project which is completed during the program and portfolios are exhibited at the fair.
How to join 4-H
- Contact the UI Extension, Adams County office at adams@uidaho.edu or 208-253-4279 and 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 Adams County, we can help you start a new 4-H club.
- After receiving a confirmation of club placement, enroll for your selected club and project through our official membership platform, ZSuite.
- Pay enrollment fees to the UI Extension, Adams County office, PO Box 43, Council, ID 83612.
- Enrollment fees are $20 for horse projects and $15 for all other. Enrollment is due by March 1.
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 are optional. Learn more about the Cloverbud program in Idaho.
Volunteers
4-H volunteers coordinate clubs, lead 4-H projects and help to 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 adams@uidaho.edu or 208-253-4279 to request an application.
Adams County 4-H requirements
In addition to abiding by the UI Extension 4-H policies and procedures, we also expect the following from our members, parents and volunteers.
Fall or early spring
- March 1: Enrollments are due. Some clubs require earlier deadlines.
- Members, leaders, parents and other volunteers must READ, sign and follow the UI Extension 4-H policies and procedures.
- Clubs must have at least six meetings. Members must attend 51% of total meetings, with a minimum of six meetings. Example: A club has 13 meetings total, so members must be at seven.
- Leaders and/or club secretary must track dates and meetings, agendas, minutes and attendance.
- Proper behavior and attire should be reviewed by members and parents each year.
Late spring/summer
- Turn in completed entry forms by deadline.
- Turn in completed record book portfolio by deadline.
- Complete portfolio record book interview (15 min.).
- Log seven activities in member portfolios and have leaders sign off.
- Give a demonstration at a county contest, leaders meeting, club meeting (with four or more members) or joint club meeting. This requirement can be done any time before record books are due.
At fair
- Work shift at food booth during the fair. Food booth committee will schedule.
- All clubs must decorate a booth in the Exhibit Hall and display record books and projects made for the fair (if applicable).
- Market animal clubs must have health certificate, bill of sale/COOL forms, feed and growth record all turned in at the fair. Animals receiving a white ribbon for record books or quality class will not be eligible for sale at the auction.
- If you do fundraising, or raise money in ANY way, you must have a bank account. See policies and procedures.
Suggestions
- A parent should plan to attend the club meeting with their child. 4-H leaders are not day care providers. Talk with the leader about club rules.
- Let your parents and youth know exactly what to expect. Write it down or have a group meeting on expectations.
- Club leaders should set a calendar of meetings to make it easier on members and families.