Putnam County 4-H | Extension | West Virginia University

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What is 4-H?

4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in the United States involving more than 6.5 million young people and 540,000 youth and adult volunteers. The focus is on helping youth learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills by participating in projects and service.

Membership is open to any youth when he/she is in at least 9 years of age and is not older than 21 within the current 4-H year, which runs from October 1 – September 30. The Cloverbud program is open to youths ages 5-7 years of age. On a local level 4-H offers community clubs, specialty clubs, cloverbud clubs, county camp(s), club outings, Achievement Banquet, and more! In 4-H youth socialize, learn, and develop life skills in a safe, educational atmosphere.

Studies show that 4-H members

do better in school
are more motivated to help others
feel safe to try new things
achieve a sense of self-esteem
develop lasting friendships

4-H…The Power of Youth

Putnam County has over 400 4-H’ers enrolled in 22 traditional community clubs, and over 500 youth receive 4-H programs in their schools. 4-H is for any boy or girl from third grade through age 21 (there is also a Clover Bud program for children in kindergarten through second grade) regardless of race, color, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin.

4-H’ers learn leadership skills and how to run a meeting through club programs under the careful leadership of trained adult volunteers. Youth participate in special activities such as monthly skating parties, talent shows, public presentation contests, conservation program, field trips, weekend camps, and community service projects. They participate in Adopt-A-Highway, the Putnam County Fair, and many other community service events.

Each 4-H’er is encouraged to take and complete at least one project. The project book is provided at no cost. The project is exhibited at the county fair. There are no dues, no uniforms, nor fees to belong to a 4-H club.

All Putnam County youth, ages 9-21 are invited to attend Putnam County 4-H Camp, a week-long residential camp held at Camp Virgil Tate near Cross Lanes, the end of June each summer.

4-H in Putnam County is sponsored by West Virginia University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Putnam County Commission, and Putnam County Board of Education.

To become a 4-H member, contact the 4-H club leader nearest you or call 304-586-0217.

Clubs

Putnam County 4-H Clubs Putnam County 4-H Specialty Clubs

Camps

Contact the Putnam County Office for information.

Recent WV 4-H News

Winter and Spring 2025 Regional 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities

The words 4-H Volunteers and a 4-H clover surrounded by hands reaching out with hearts in the palms

There are 4-H volunteer training opportunities scheduled around the state from late February through early May. A meal will be provided to each participant.

These trainings aims to help volunteers broaden awareness of the 4-H Thriving Model in their roles as volunteers, explore deeper the concepts of Sparks and how volunteers can serve as Spark Champions for 4-H members using WV teen-specific information from TLW 2024, and introduce the Beyond Ready initiative.

Read Winter and Spring 2025 Regional 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities

2025 My Hands to Larger Service mini-grants available

Since 2020, the West Virginia 4-H All Stars have generously funded mini-grants for West Virginia 4-H teens and their respective 4-H clubs to assist in the planning and completion of a community service project through the My Hands to Larger Service 4-H Project.

Mini-Grant Application

Read 2025 My Hands to Larger Service mini-grants available

West Virginia 4-H Announces 2024 Youth in Action Award Winners

The West Virginia 4-H Youth in Action Program announces four young leaders in 4-H pillar areas: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM.

Read West Virginia 4-H Announces 2024 Youth in Action Award Winners

Older WV 4-H News