How to Join a 4-H Club

 How Can 4-H Help Your Kids? (video)

Membership in the Washington State 4-H Youth Development Program is open to youth in kindergarten who have reached their 5th birthday before January 1 of the current 4-H year (October 1-September 30), through those in the 12th grade or those who have not reached their 19th birthday before January 1 of the current 4-H year. Special Education youth older than 19 may be enrolled with the approval of the county 4-H agent.

To join a club in our county, please call the office at (360) 676-6736 or email whatcom@wsu.edu. Please include your name and the age(s) of your children and what projects they are interested in participating in. Also, include where in the county you live. Every year we offer several parent orientations to Whatcom 4-H. We recommend you attend this introduction to learn more about how 4-H operates. We will try and put you in contact with a club that meets in your area. If you wish to join a specific club please include their name in your email, keep in mind that some of the clubs listed here have limited or closed enrollments.

If you do not live in Whatcom County click here for a map of Washington State Extension Offices.

Be a 4-H Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in becoming a 4-H volunteer. You've just taken the first step towards making a difference in the life of a child. Whatcom County 4-H relies on over 200 volunteers to deliver the programs it offers. Do you have some special talent, skills, or interest to offer? Here are some different ways you can help 4-H Make the Best Better:

4-H members (youth 5-19) are assisted by adults who are volunteer leaders. Leaders help guide youth, organize the club, help club officers, conduct meetings, and consult with member's parent or guardian. Different leader positions include:

Project Leader: works directly with members, teaching them about a specific project within a 4-H group/club. May also assist the Group Leader.

Club Leader: works within the 4-H group/club, helping members with organization and meetings, assists all volunteers and keeps the communication flowing between volunteers, parents, and members.

Resource Volunteer
Event Volunteer
Advisory Volunteer
Office Volunteer
Fair Volunteer

Call (360) 676-6736 or Send E-mail to whatcom@wsu.edu to find a club to join or for information on starting your own club

Here are some publications related to being a 4-H Volunteer:

General Volunteer Information

Child Abuse: Washington Mandated Reporters Video

Washington State 4-H Program Policy (pdf)

Washington State 4-H Page

4-H Community Pride & Community Service

4-H Leader Enrollment Forms:

Whatcom County 4-H Enrollment Form (PDF)

Whatcom County Volunteer Application Form (PDF)