4-H Youth Development

4-H is a community of young people across Kansas engaged in learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Caring adults that support our programs are essential for youth to achieve their potential based on the guidance, respect, skills, knowledge and wisdom adults can share.

4-H is a nationwide program. Each of the four H's of the clover represent ways youth can grow and develop.

4-H clover Head, critical thinking, problem solving;

Heart, self-discipline, integrity, communication;

Hands, serving others; and

Health, choosing healthy lifestyles.

In 4-H, youth have fun with a purpose!

There are around 6 million 4-H youth members in the United States. 4-H youth are 4 times more likely to likely to make a positive contribution to their communities. Youth that participate in 4-H are 2 times more likely to make healthier choices. 4-H develops tomorrow's leaders and prepares youth for their futures by finding their spark in life.

Youth may join 4-H between ages of 7 and 18 years old to become 4-H members. Youth that are 5 and 6 years of age may join for free as a Cloverbud, but may only participate in County Fair with 2 projects (non-competitive).

You must enroll yearly to remain a 4-H member. More information may be found under the Join 4-H tab.

About Doniphan County 4-H

There are seven 4-H Community Clubs that Doniphan County youth may join after enrolling in the local Doniphan County 4-H program. In order to particpate in the Doniphan County Fair, 4-H youth must enroll and meet the May 1st deadline. Youth may participate in their local club and local 4-H Council leadership roles. Please check out the additional tabs under 4-H Youth Development to learn more about opportunities in Doniphan County 4-H and Kansas 4-H (If you are on a mobile device: Click on the upper right hand corner under 3 lines to access all local 4-H tabs).

There are other opportunities in 4-H outside of livestock showing, though if your youth is interested in that please check out the Livestock, Horse, and Small Animal tab for more information on local livestock and small animal information.

There are many different project areas in 4-H:

  • Animal Sciences
  • Citizenship and Leadership
  • Communications and Expressive Arts
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Natural Resources
  • Plant Sciences

There are opportunities to participate in Kansas State 4-H educational events such as 4-H Camp, Citizenship in Action, 4-H Discovery Days, and more. There are also 4-H State Fair competitions. Awards and scholarships are also available for youth who are 4-H members. Record Books are used for project recognition. There are also opportunities for youth to participate in 4-H Shooting Sports. 4-H provides opportunities for youth to become engaged in their communities.

Check out how to Join 4-H tab, contact a 4-H Club leader, or the Extension Office for more information on how to join!

Local 4-H News and Communications

Once enrolled in 4-H you will begin to receive 4-H and Extension Newsletters. There is a Doniphan County 4-H Facebook group anyone is welcome to join. Each club may have individual text groups, GroupMe's, or Facebook group, so please ask your 4-H Club Leader!

Be on the lookout for additional 4-H information from the Doniphan County Extension Office on this website, or our Facebook page!