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Join WV 4-H

A free, educational program for West Virginia youths in all 55 counties

West Virginia 4-H is a club for kids and teens. But 4-H is like no club you’ve ever seen before.

Welcome to 4-H.

Across the globe, 4-H is world leader in developing youths to become productive citizens and catalysts for positive change to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society. Through a focus on the four “Hs” of head, heart, hands and health, participating youths will learn to develop life skills and knowledge, build self-esteem and positive values, become more active citizens through service and adopt healthy habits.

First organized in 1912, West Virginia 4-H has more than a century of experience in youth development. While 4-H programs of the past have focused on agriculture and farming, today’s 4-H programs are more diverse, exposing kids to concepts in science, engineering, technology, citizenship and healthy lifestyles through summer learning activities, camps and leadership experiences. Club members may also learn about higher education opportunities and even be eligible for scholarships offered by WVU Extension.

Anyone between the ages of 9 and 21 can join 4-H with a parent or guardian’s permission. Younger kids, ages 5–7, who are interested in the practices of 4-H can start in the Cloverbud program, which focuses more on fun and social activities that set the stage for future learning.

To find a 4-H club or 4-H Cloverbud club in your area, contact your county Extension office.

Effective October 1, 2023 (Start of the 2023-2024 4-H Year)

2023-2024 4-H Year

October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024

4-H Members

Youths with birthdates between October 1, 2002, and June 30, 2015.

  • Starting Age Based off of June 30
  • First year to participate is if they are 8 years old on June 30th – prior to the 4-H year they are starting (This group would have started Kindergarten in 2019 – first group under new age policy)
  • Last possible day to be involved will be September 30, 2024 – for anyone who is currently 21 years old on that day.

Cloverbuds

Youths with birthdates between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2018

  • Starting age based off of age on June 30
  • First year to participate as a Cloverbud is if they are 5 years old on June 30th – prior to the 4-H year they are starting. (Continues 4th year of WV State Dept of Ed policy)
  • Last year to participate as a Cloverbud is if they are 7 years on June 30th – prior to the 4-H year they are starting. (no longer any youth in Cloverbuds would have come in under the old school age policy)

Learn more about WV 4-H Age Guidelines

What if there isn’t a 4-H Club in my community?

If there’s space in a nearby community’s club, your child can participate in that club. Even better, start a club in your community! All you really need is a dedicated, caring adult willing to volunteer once a month.

All 4-H groups need to be properly chartered to be recognized as official and in good standing to operate 4-H programs and activities in the state of West Virginia. To learn more about chartering a 4-H club in your community, contact your local WVU Extension office.

Ready to Register & Join 4-H?

Boy holding Flying WV 4-H Clover flag on a rock at Dolly Sods

The 4-H year in West Virginia runs from October 1 to September 30. Youth and volunteers can register anytime during the 4-H year. Many 4-H participants register for 4-H in the fall. There are incentives for participants who sign up during the month of October.

There may be registration deadlines to participate in specific activities, projects, and programs. Check with your local Extension Office for details.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. If you need free language assistance, please contact Kim Suder at KESuder@mail.wvu.edu or call 304-293-8613.

Registering for 4-H

The 4-H registration process has moved online into ZSuite. A household completes all registration forms and participant waivers in this system. Participant waivers include a Health form, Media release, Transportation waiver, ADA accommodation needs, and the Code of Conduct. Following the waivers, members will be asked to select 4-H clubs and 4-H projects they wish to participate in during the upcoming 4-H year. Volunteers will also need to enroll in ZSuite.

  • New 4-H households will have to create a ZSuite account, add household members, and complete enrollment forms and waivers for each person.
  • Returning 4-H households will need to log into their ZSuite household account to complete the enrollment forms for the new 4-H year. Most information has been carried over from the previous year, allowing current members to quickly review and update their information for the new year.

Register Now in ZSuite

Four teenages walking together across a field

ZSuite: How to Re-enroll in 4-H

Learn how to re-enroll in 4-H with your ZSuite account for existing members and volunteers.

Hancock County 4-H'ers Alaina Norton, Audrey Malcomb, MacKenzie Moore, and Daniel Mayfield lower flag at camp

How to Register for a 4-H Event

Learn more about registering for a 4-H event, activity, or camp.