Who--Why--How to Join

4-H offers limitless opportunities for friendship, growth, fun, and development. By engaging youth and adults in meaningful partnerships, 4-H helps young people to reach their full potential as competent, confident, leaders of character who contribute and are connected to their communities. 

2023-2024 Program Fees:

Youth $70.00 (some clubs add a small fee to help cover club costs)

Adult Volunteer  $30.00

** NEW Adult Volunteers will need fingerprinted.  The cost for this service will vary.... $20.00 - $35.00, depending on where you have them done. (Madera co. Sheriff's office will do them for free, but an appointment is needed.)

**Contact the 4-H Office for a Fingerprint Form **

To ENROLL:

Youth/Families/Volunteers

Click on the link 4-H Online Enrollment - ZSUITE

Use this information sheet for help.  2023-2024 ZSuite MemberVolunteer Enrollment Tip-sheet

For more enrollment information, click INFO HERE

**There are resources listed to help navigate the enrollment process including videos on how to enroll.

Volunteers

NEW VOLUNTEERS:  Please fill out the  Volunteer Interest Survey - Madera Co.

Online Volunteer Training  https://campus.extension.org/

(Please contact the 4-H Office for details on which training to do and the Keycode for access)

If you cannot access the Online Enrollment system - ZSUITE, please download the paper forms, fill out, and give them to the club leader along with enrollment fees. (See below for forms)

2023-2024 YOUTH Enrollment Packet

2023-2024 Spanish YOUTH Enrollment Packet

2023-2024 ADULT Enroll Packet

2023-2024 Spanish ADULT Enroll Packet

Please contact the 4-H Office with any questions.  llfringer@ucanr.edu OR 559/675-7879 x. 7204

New Families handbook

More Information 

Who Can Join? Youth who are nine (9) years old by December 31st of the current 4-H Program year can enroll in Madera County 4-H.

** Primary youth (ages 5-8yrs) can enroll in a club that offers a Cloverbud project.  This is offered by individual clubs, so not every club in Madera County has this option. Please check with the club for information.

Youth remain eligible for membership until December 31 of the calendar year in which they turn 19 years old.

**Madera County 4-H requires that re-enrolling youth MUST be enrolled in the 4-H project they will be exhibiting at fairs by December 1st of the current 4-H program year. ALL youth MUST be enrolled in 4-H projects they will be exhibiting at fairs by February 1st of the current 4-H program year to exhibit at fairs for the calendar year (January-December).  EXAMPLE:  Must be enrolled in projects planning to exhibit at Chowchilla Fair (May) and Madera Fair (September) by February 1 of the calendar year.

** Refer to:  4-H Steps to Success Doc (State 4-H Office)

                    4-H Steps to Success Supp. - Madera Co.

Program Year:  July 1st - June 30th of every year

Why Should I Join? Every member participates in one or more projects and learns about new and interesting things. Through community, county and statewide events you will meet other members. 4-H events include going camping, public speaking demonstrations, field trips, dances and fairs. The statewide events and conferences offer the opportunity for older youth to travel and meet new friends. You'll always remember these exciting experiences and the people you meet. In addition to your projects, 4-H offers you the opportunity to find out more about yourself and develop your natural talents and ambitions. Leadership and responsibility play a big part in the overall development of a 4-H member. In 4-H you have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills by being in charge of an activity, leading a fund raiser or by being a club officer.

How Do I Join? Check out the 4-H clubs site (left side of page) to see what activities/projects are offered by each club. Adult volunteers trained by University staff, teach projects that cover a wide range of activities. Each project offers a chance for 4-H members, and often their family, to"learn-by-doing". 4-H teaches youth leadership, confidence and skills they will use throughout life. Contact the Community Club Leader of the Madera County 4-H Club you are interested in joining.

How Much Does It Cost? There is a minimal statewide program fee that is associated with membership. This fee supports development of educational materials and volunteer training and cost of insurance. There may also be a club or county fee. It is rare that a group or club can do anything without funds. Money may be collected from members to cover the costs of project materials and 4-H events. The 4-H members should receive fair value in goods and/or services for any money collected. To prevent any misunderstandings, it is a good idea for a parent/guardian to stay informed about work that requires funds from a member. Local clubs raise money in various ways, but policy forbids gambling, wagering, or raffles of any kinds.  4-H accident and illness insurance is a mandatory cost to your child. The organizational leader of your club can tell you about this insurance. A leaflet that explains how much the insurance costs and what medical costs it covers in case of an accident that occurs during any 4-H work or while traveling to or from official 4-H meeting or events can be obtained from the Madera County 4-H Office.