Quick Links
- Upcoming 4-H Programs
- 4-H Summer Fun
- Durham County 4-H Clubs
- Enroll in 4-H
- Volunteer with 4-H
- State 4-H Programs
What is 4-H? Why should my child join?
4-H is the Cooperative Extension System’s dynamic and educational program for youth. 4-H has about 6 million youth members across the United States. The name 4-H is summarized as the four-fold development of youth through the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H is the largest youth organization in the country, and over 120 years old. While 4-H has its roots in agriculture, we offer a variety of programming including STEM, Fine Arts, Civic Engagement and more! As an extension of our land grant universities, our work with youth includes research on best practices and understanding the impact our programming has on our community. Our traditional programming prepares 4-H youth for roles in leadership and public speaking, and youth can build a portfolio and apply for a variety of 4-H scholarships as they reach college age! In 4-H, young people complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. The group is open to youth between the ages of 5 and 18. Young people experience 4-H in every county in the country!
View more about the National 4-H Council!
What services can you provide in Durham?
Your 4-H Agent in Durham can provide a variety of services:
- By enrolling in 4-H Online you'll receive regular updates about unique community events and projects. We regularly hold community events like 4-H Movie Night, Winter Social, or Achievement Banquets that are open to the community.
- Our county offers a variety of neighborhood clubs that serve specific communities or provide a variety of experiential learning opportunities. You can even create brand new clubs if you have an adult volunteer and five children from three separate families. Your agent can supply you with supplies, activity kits, or additional instruction free of charge!
- Every summer Durham 4-H provides a variety of day camps called Summer Fun. These are designed to be low-cost camps that typically teach a skill and are highly accessible to the community. Many of these camps are led by extension staff experts such as our Coding, Outdoor Education, or Farm to Fork camps.
- 4-H is also a leader in providing youth curriculum and school enrichment to their communities. Educators and other community partners are free to rent out curriculum guides and activity kits from our personal Durham library, or contact your agent for access to our State 4-H Online Curriculum Page. We are also available for direct instruction, and our activity kits and curriculum guides provide detailed information on targeted grade level and alignment with state standards.
Program Areas
STEM & Agriculture
4‑H science programs provide 4‑H youth the opportunity to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through fun, hands-on activities and projects.LEARN MORE
HEALTHY LIVING
4‑H healthy living programs help 4‑H youth learn how to lead lives that balance physical, mental, and emotional health.LEARN MORE
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
4‑H civic engagement programs empower young people to be well-informed citizens who are actively engaged in their communities and the world.LEARN MORE
How Do I Get Started?
Fill out an enrollment form on 4-HOnline; pick a project; sign up for a workshop; or stop by the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Durham County office to talk with Adrienne Mauney, 4-H Extension Agent, about your interests! Enrollment in North Carolina 4-H is FREE!
