4-H in Boundary County

4-H photos and files located in counties

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 Boundary County can become a member of a 4-H club, attend a 4-H camp or a project camp, 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 local county fairs. View projects currently offered in Boundary County.

Agriculture project

In Boundary County, many youth participate in horse, livestock or small animal 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. With each project, youth can learn up-to-date industry standards of breeding, feeding and management practices. Participants also develop public speaking skills, decision making skills, integrity, sportsmanship and leadership.

STEM projects

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

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.

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 Boundary County.

Camps

4-H offers a variety of day camps and overnight camps related to specific topics. Contact the UI Extension, Boundary County office at boundary@uidaho.edu or 208-267-3235 to learn more about our specific camp offerings.

How to join 4-H

Contact the UI Extension, Boundary County office at boundary@uidaho.edu or 208-267-3235 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 Boundary 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 official membership platform, ZSuite.
Pay enrollment fees to the UI Extension, Boundary County office.
1. The current annual base fees for 1-3 projects are $25 for Cloverbuds, $25 for regular members and $27 for horse and ATV members.
2. There is a $3 per project fee for youth participating in more than three projects.

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.

4-H Friday friends

4-H Friday Friends has been providing an out-of-school program on Fridays since 2006 when the school district switched to a four-day school week. This program was created to provide parents in our community with a safe, affordable and educational alternative for their school-age children on Fridays during the school year. We partner with the local school district and they provide us with a facility for our program. They allow us to have access to the middle school library, gymnasium and cafeteria as well as to computers, books and gym equipment.

4-H Friday Friends offers hands-on activities in areas such as science, technology, math, art, health and nutrition. We provide a fun and structured environment for K-6 youth. Guest speakers from the community come often to expand students' knowledge and skills. The program also provides each student with two healthy snacks each day.

The program is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every Friday during the school year (except during vacations). The cost is $15 per child; however, there is a sliding fee scale based on income. Contact the UI Extension, Boundary County office at 208-267-3235 to learn more about this program or to register.

Other ways to be involved

Volunteer

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 boundary@uidaho.edu or 208-267-3235 to request an application.

Join an event

Discover 4-H events happening in Boundary County. Explore statewide and national events.