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Webster County 4-H

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

Recent WV 4-H News

Application for National 4-H Congress and Conference

This application is for WV 4-H youth ages 14-19 wanting to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta (November 2023) or National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. (March/April 2024). Once your application is submitted a follow-up interview will be scheduled in June 2023.

17 people standing in two rows Deadline to submit your interview is midnight on Monday, May 15th, 2023. Youth accepted to attend Congress or Conference will be attending this event with pre-selected WVU Extension Chaperones. Youth will be attending on their own, family members and 4-H Volunteers will not be eligible to attend. There will be times during these National events when youth will be chaperoned by someone other than the WVU chaperones.

17 people standing in two rows

Read Application for National 4-H Congress and Conference

Fall 2022 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 August through early October. A meal and 4-H club ideas (with supplies!) will be provided to each participant.

Volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend these trainings to gain new skills and learn how to restart/start 4-H clubs. This session will provide grab 'n' go training resources and curriculum you can use in working within the 4-H youth program. The training will also focus on building relationships between 4-H volunteers and Extension educators. We are excited to come back together to learn, socialize and recognize our excellent volunteers that support our youth.

Read Fall 2022 Regional 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities

Excellence in 4-H project work on display at the State Fair of West Virginia 2022

Adult taking a picture of a boy in a 4-H camp backdrop

The public is encouraged to picture themselves in 4-H this year at the State Fair of West Virginia. The stage has been set for kids of all ages to step into a 4-H club meeting or head off to 4-H camp at the 4-H exhibit in the Cecil Underwood Youth building. Thank you to Gold Ribbon poster winner, Hannah Beckner from Gilmer County for inspiring the exhibit theme this year.

Cornbread muffins, collections of leaves, creative 4-H clover displays, and handmade clothing garments and toolboxes line the display stands in the Cecil Underwood Youth Building at the as evidence of 4-H members’ hard work throughout the past year. People attending the State Fair of West Virginia can view these blue-ribbon 4-H project exhibits from August 11 through 20, 2022. Additionally, there are hundreds of exhibits online in the virtual state 4-H exhibit .

Read Excellence in 4-H project work on display at the State Fair of West Virginia 2022

Older WV 4-H News


Clubs

Each community club meets on a monthly basis to plan and implement community service, social, fundraising, and promotional activities. 4-H members can enroll in projects, meet new friends, and learn leadership skills. To find a club near you (in Webster County), see the below list.

  • Sand Run Busy Bees—Bolair
  • Cheerful Diggers Jr—Cowen
  • Dyer Pioneers—Dyer/Cowen
  • Green Thumb Hornets—Cowen
  • Diana B-G’s—Diana
  • Four Seasons—Diana
  • Silver Stars—Webster Springs
  • Addison Avengers—Webster Springs

For additional information regarding 4-H community clubs, contact the Extension Office at 304-847-2727.

Cloverbuds

Children in kindergarten to second grades can be enrolled as Cloverbuds in a 4-H program. Because of their age, these ‘budding’ 4-Hers are not full-fledged 4-H members and cannot participate in 4-H related competitions but can have fun learning by participating in fun, hands-on activities directly related to the 4-H project areas just like official (third grade to 21 years old) 4-H members. Cloverbud groups can meet separately from 4-H clubs or in conjunction with 4-H clubs. To learn how to enroll your child in the Cloverbud program in Webster County, contact the WVU Extension Service at 304-847-2727 or by email.


Camps

Webster County camp is held at Camp Caesar starting the third Sunday in July. Camp activities include Good Grooming and Job Interview contests with the winners receiving a return scholarship to county camp or a scholarship to state camp, a picnic and mediation at the lake, Cloverbud Day, a hayride-dance-night swim, pizza party and dance, and Charting ceremony. Of course there are also the customary classes, sports and tribal activities.

Camp Schedule

West Virginia 4-H Volunteer Opportunities

West Virginia 4-H offers opportunities that can give your child an edge in life. Our program provides a variety of volunteer opportunities for youths, adolescents and adults.

Caring Adults act as advisers and leaders for clubs, camps and activities. Each is selected, screened and trained by the WVU Extension professionals who guide the 4-H program.

Neighborhood Clubs give older and younger members a place to belong, a place to identify and a place to practice positive values, build leadership and have fun!

Special Events and Programs at the local, state and national levels support educational and developmental goals through camps, skill development events, exhibits, fairs and challenging contests.

Individualized Learning Experiences let each child choose from more than 100 projects to develop unique interests and skills and explore new ideas. Each project is developed by experts to help children learn by doing.

Leadership Development is nurtured with special emphasis placed on developing communication and decision-making skills.

Adult Volunteer Selection Process Code of Conduct

Not sure what you have to offer 4-H youth? Below are some volunteer roles you can help with. Don’t forget to email the Extension Office or call us at 304-847-2727 for more specific information and current volunteering opportunities.