4-H in Gem and Boise counties

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 Gem and Boise counties 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.

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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.

Follow the Gem County Fairgrounds on Facebook for more information about the fair. 

Agriculture projects

In Gem and Boise counties, 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.

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 Gem and Boise counties.

Camps

4‑H offers a variety of day camps and overnight camps related to specific topics. Contact the UI Extension, Gem and Boise counties office at gem@uidaho.edu or 208-365-6363 to learn more about our specific camp offerings.

How to join 4‑H

  • Contact the UI Extension, Gem and Boise counties office at gem@uidaho.edu or 208-365-6363 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 Gem and Boise counties, 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. Contact the UI Extension, Gem and Boise counties office at gem@uidaho.edu or 208-365-6363 to learn about fees and payment methods.

View the 4‑H family handbook (pdf) for more information on getting started with 4‑H in Idaho.

4-H and wild horse program

In 2009, the Idaho Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro program teamed up with University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development to work together to tame and train weanling/yearling mustangs. The goal was to help increase the adoption of these animals into good homes while also promoting the talents and skills of our local 4-H youth. It is a great experience for 4-H youth to train these horses from the ground up and also to help tame and train a living part of our western heritage.

4-H youth train horses to be available for adoption yearly for the Idaho Horse Expo (April), Western Idaho Fair (August) and Eastern Idaho State Fair (September). Contact us at gem@uidaho.edu or 208-365-6363 to participate in this program. 

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.

Communications rodeo

Effective communication is a valuable lifetime skill. We invite all enrolled Gem and Boise counties 4-H members to participate in this learning experience in the spirit of the 4-H motto: To make the best better. The purpose of this event is to promote polished communication skills and to provide a constructive, educational and fun evaluation experience for members, leaders and parents. Youth may enter in demonstrations, prepared speeches, extemporaneous speeches, television commercials, interviews and dramatic reading. Contact us at gem@uidaho.edu to learn more.  

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 gem@uidaho.edu or 208-365-6363 to request an application.

Join an event

Discover 4‑H events happening in Gem and Boise counties. Explore statewide and national events.