4-H Clubs & Information

Why 4-H?

4-H is fun and gives youth an advantage later in life.  Studies confirm that 4-H members are more likely to excel in school, more likely to lead their peers, less likely to be involved in risky behaviors and more likely to give to their communities.  4-H is the largest youth development program in the world.  A connection to our land grant Universities and proven strategies for outreach attract over 5,000 youth annually to 4-H related activities in Barnstable County.

How Does 4-H Work?

4-H programs and learning opportunities are offered through school-based, after-school, and camp settings as well as community clubs.  There are over 20 4-H clubs that meet regularly and provide youth with long-term relationships with caring adults.  These adult volunteers help 4-H members learn new skills and grow in ways which are not possible in traditional educational settings.

What Do 4-H Members Learn?

There are three areas of educational focus in the Barnstable County 4-H program:

Science, Engineering and Technology:

• Special 4-H science camps are held on the UMass Amherst campus in animal science, veterinary science, rocketry, robotics and other science areas.
• Barnstable County 4-H members competed in regional competitions including 4-H Horse Roundup.

Communication Skills:

• More than 25% of 4-H club members give public speeches at local, county and state events.
• Members document their project work, leadership development and other activites in annual written reports.

Leadership, Community Service and Citizenship:

• 4-H clubs collected over 2,675 pounds of food and donated to several Cape Cod Food Pantries.
• 4-H members have the opportunity to develop and practice leadership and citizenship skills by serving as club officers and junior leaders.
• 4-H club members learn how to work with others, delegate responsibility and manage projects.