4-H in Gooding 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 8-18 in Gooding 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.

Agriculture projects

In Gooding 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.

Livestock resources

• Considering livestock feeds — watch video (20 minutes)
• Livestock market ready weights — watch video (22:33 minutes)

Horse resources

• Horse and livestock feed labels — watch video (12:43 minutes)
• Horse and livestock medicine label insert and injection sites — watch video (13:04 minutes)

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 Gooding County.

Leadership and workforce opportunities

Youth involved in the 4-H program can become actively involved in growing and developing their leadership skills by becoming involved in a club committee or serving on state and national planning committees. Participation in national events and contests also allows members to become ambassadors for our state and their project. Area-wide and county activities are created to provide involvement and educational programming across county lines. They are designed to provide youth and volunteers with learning and leadership opportunities. Get involved, attend and help plan other events. Doing so gives you travel and college opportunities. Contact us to find out where you can get involved. 

Camps

4‑H offers a variety of day camps and overnight camps related to specific topics. Contact the UI Extension, Gooding County office at gooding@uidaho.edu or 208-934-4417 to learn more about our specific camp offerings.

How to join 4‑H

• Contact the UI Extension, Gooding County office at gooding@uidaho.edu or 208-934-4417 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 Gooding 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. Contact the UI Extension, Gooding County office at gooding@uidaho.edu or 208-934-4417 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.

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.

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 gooding@uidaho.edu or 208-934-4417 to request an application.

Join an event

Discover 4‑H events happening in Gooding County. Explore statewide and national events.