From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, the West Virginia University Extension 4-H program offers space for youth in the state to connect with themselves, build relationships and create lifelong experiences.
During National 4-H Week, held Oct. 5-11, West Virginia 4-H will celebrate the ways in which our 4-H youth are not just ready for the future – they’re “Beyond Ready.”
This year, the Beyond Ready initiative continues to invite incoming members to learn how the program equips young people with the skills, confidence and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.
“I think the Beyond Ready initiative helps tell the story of the many ways that 4-H contributes to the future of our youth,” Brent Clark , director of WVU Extension 4-H and Youth Development, said. “The 4-H program provides leadership and life skills that ensure our youth are productive citizens and leaders of tomorrow. The 4-H program is also placing an increased emphasis on workforce development and post-secondary education for young adults.”
In 2024, West Virginia 4-H reached more than 50,000 youths in all 55 counties through programs, such as community and special interest clubs, STEM education, livestock projects, in-school programs and camping. These programs help 4-H'ers to build a strong foundation for future success.
In addition to traditional camping and livestock activities, there are two types of 4-H clubs — community clubs and special interest clubs. Community clubs meet monthly to plan social, promotional, service and fundraising activities for club members. Special interest clubs focus on a specific topic, like teen leadership or robotics. Clubs offer youths an opportunity to learn about and participate in community service events in their communities with other youth.
"4-H clubs can provide youth with a range of opportunities to learn and grow,” Jenny Murray , associate program leader of WVU Extension 4-H, said. “Youth are engaged in the club planning, leadership, organizing and facilitating the club’s activities throughout the year. This hands-on leadership experience in a safe environment under the guidance and support of adult volunteers, allows the youth to practice new skills, like public speaking, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking.”
During the 2024-2025 4-H year, there were 638 clubs throughout the state and more than 10,700 West Virginia 4-H club members. Members participate in service projects, including delivering holiday food boxes in their community, cleaning up trash in a park or along a trail, and making cards for veterans.
"The 4-H program is a place for youth to find belonging,” Murray said. “4-H clubs build a community among youth with shared interests, values, goals, cultures or a shared geographical area. They allow youth to connect with peers, mentors and professionals from various backgrounds. This networking can open doors to further opportunities and broaden their perspectives.”
There is no cost to join a 4-H club. 4-H club members can learn about a variety of topics through activities like guest speakers or completing a project book. A 4-H project book is a combination of hands-on activities, record-keeping, leadership and communication opportunities. There are more than 60 project areas to choose from, from woodworking to cooking.
Youths between the ages of 8 (as of June 30) and 21 can join 4-H with a parent or guardian’s permission. Younger children, ages 5 to 7 (as of June 30), who are interested in 4-H can join Cloverbuds, which focuses more on fun and social activities that set the stage for future learning. College-aged students also can join any of the seven collegiate 4-H clubs in West Virginia. If you are interested in joining a club or exploring 4-H activities in your area, contact your local WVU Extension office.
“The 4-H program provides many ways to help young people to grow confidence, life skills, community engagement and leadership,” Clark said. “Leadership for youth takes many different forms in our program, including clubs, camps, in-school, afterschool, project book work, youth agriculture and more. 4-H provides youth the opportunity to collaborate, engage and share with others.”
To join in the National 4-H Week celebration, 4-H members, alumni, volunteers and supporters are encouraged to wear green on Monday, Oct. 6, and highlight the good work of 4-H on Thursday, Oct. 9.
To learn more about 4-H activities in your community and keep up with the latest in West Virginia 4-H news, follow @WestVirginia4H on Facebook and @wv_4h on Instagram.
If you want to learn more about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
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hb/10/3/25
CONTACT: Hannah Booth
Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing
WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement
304-293-8701;
hannah.booth@mail.wvu.edu