West Virginia 4-H Participation & Enrollment Age Guidelines

In West Virginia, the 4-H programming and reporting year runs from October 1st through September 30th. Young people between the ages of 5 and 21 years old can participate in a variety of 4-H Youth Development experiences offered through the West Virginia University Extension Service during that time. These experiences include various programs, activities, and events in the following delivery modes: School Enrichment, Special Interest/Short Term, Camping, Club Work, and Afterschool.

West Virginia 4-H age guidelines were updated in the 2018-2019 4-H year for both Cloverbud and traditional 4-H participants. These changes were implemented to align with updates that were made to the West Virginia State Department of Education’s change in the starting age of youth entering public school. Please note that some activities and programs have specific age restrictions.

Who Can Participate in 4-H During the 2026-2027 4-H Year?

• The 2026-2027 4-H year runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
• A youth's eligibility is determined by their age on June 30, 2026.

Effective October 1, 2026 (Start of the 2026-2027 4-H Year)

2026-2027 4-H Year

October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027

Cloverbuds

• Youth who were 5, 6, or 7 years old on June 30, 2026, may participate as Cloverbuds.
• Birthdates: July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2021
• They will participate in the Cloverbud program until they are old enough to be classified as a traditional 4-H participant (below).

Traditional 4-H Members

• Youth who were 8 through 21 years old on June 30, 2026, may participate as traditional 4-H members.
• Birthdates: October 1, 2005 - June 30, 2018
• Depending upon the event or activity, traditional 4-H participants could be active through twenty-one years of age. The last possible day to be involved will be September 30, 2027 – for anyone who is currently 21 years old on that day.

4-H Eligibility Timeline by Birthdate

4-H Age Chart for October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027

Age Guidelines for Common Classifications, Delivery Modes and Special Interest Groups

Teen Leaders

West Virginia 4-H Teen Leader programs are open to young people currently in grades 6-12. As with our starting age of 4-H participation, the specific focus on school grades in this scenario provides the best opportunity for youth to participate in 4-H Teen Leader activities with their peer groups.

• With “Middle School” and “High School” definitions varying across the state, counties should focus on youth in grades 6-12. Having youth in 6th grade does mean that youth as young as 11 or 12 could start participating with Teen Leaders with the start of a new 4-H year in October. Participation on the older end of the teen leader spectrum should not go beyond the conclusion of a young person’s senior year in high school.
• For the 2026-2027 4-H Year: Most youth in 6th to 12th grade should have a birthday between September 1, 2008, to June 30, 2015, based on the West Virginia Department of Education’s school deadline of September 1 for that specific grade grouping.

Young Adults

Former 4-H teen leaders who have completed high school but who have not yet aged out of 4-H participation should transition fully into 4-H Young Adult programs like Collegiate 4-H, becoming a teen leader mentor, or serving as a 4-H volunteer if the opportunity is available. If they remain in a mentoring role with Teen Leaders, they are not to hold offices or deter the younger teen leaders from making decisions related to the group. It is important to differentiate that they are a young adult mentor to the group – not a teen leader member. This ensures younger teens can take on specific teen leadership roles.

Camps

All youth participants in 4-H camps must fall within the age range of these guidelines. County camps will follow the start dates of 4-H participation. Counties will determine on an individual basis if 18–21-year-old young adult 4-H participants can participate in county 4-H camping programs as a camper. Counties will also determine individually the age cutoffs for younger, intermediate, and older 4-H camps. All State 4-H Camps and any special interest camp will determine participation ages or grades based upon the content, structure, and design of the overall camp program and/or facility.

School Enrichment and Afterschool

Any 4-H program that takes place in conjunction with a school before, during or after school will use the grade structure of the school to determine 4-H participation.

West Virginia Based 4-H Competitions

Any current 4-H competition that is organized and administered on a state level will be based off the June 30th birthdate. The most common examples of these competitions are poster, photo, writing and speaking based contest. Any local, regional or state level competition that is organized on National level or competes at a National level will use the age, grade or birthdate associated with that competition.

4-H Youth Agriculture Programs

Current traditional 4-H participants may be active in all youth agriculture programs and activities. Age requirements for participants in national 4-H contests is determined by each event. Consult current event rules for age eligibility. With a majority of regional and National youth agriculture age requirements being based on age as of January 1st, we will use this date for record guides, quality assurance training, contests, and other programs – unless otherwise noted by the event or program.

4-H Shooting Sports

Traditional 4-H participants may participate in various shooting sports programs and activities. Age requirements for participants in certain disciplines and national 4-H contests is determined by each program or event. Consult current discipline or event rules for age eligibility.

4-H Robotics and Drone Programs

Traditional 4-H participants may participate in various robotics/drone programs and activities. Age requirements for participants in certain levels or specific contests is determined by each event or governing body. Consult current contests or event rules for age eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
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