4-H is the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization. Fueled by a research-based, university-backed curriculum, 4-H members engage in hands-on learning in the areas of science, healthy living, and food safety.

Boulder County 4-H has 18 clubs with more than 500 members and 150 volunteers! Whether you live in an urban, suburban or rural area, or are interested in animals, shooting sports, cooking, or robotics, we have something for you! 

4-H provides a unique environment where youth can try new things, make new friends, and discover new possibilities. Through 4-H, your child will explore leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and community service. The values and skills that youth gain as a 4-Her will help them become their best selves today and in the future.

4-H gives youth the chance to discover what they want to do and who they want to be, to connect with others in a supportive environment and to take action to make the world a better place. There is something for everyone in 4-H with projects ranging from hands-on science to art activities to exploring the outdoors and their own community. Projects are hands-on to engage youth to expand their knowledge and life skills.

Clubs are available across the county. You will see that different clubs focus on different projects and meet on a variety of schedules. Please contact the leader of the club you are interested in and go to a meeting. Visit several and choose the one that best fits your schedule and needs. Sometimes, the best club for you is not the closest. If you have trouble contacting a leader/or would like information on starting your own 4-H club, please contact the Extension office (303) 678-6238.

Leaders have enrollment information so that you can sign up directly with them. They are also very knowledgeable about the program and details of the projects. We suggest signing up for only one or two projects during the first year until you get comfortable with the 4-H program.

Beyond the club level, there are a variety of county, state, national, and international opportunities/events. To name a few, 4-H offers:

• County 4-H Youth Council – Youth and adults work together to provide input and leadership on county 4-H events
• County & State Fair – competitive events where members’ projects are judged
• 4-H National Trips & Statewide Camps – National trips include Citizen Washington Focus, 4-H Congress, and National 4-H Roundup. Statewide camps include Leadership Development Conference, Colorado Leadership Camp, and State 4-H Conference.
• International 4-H Exchange Program – Opportunities may include Australia, Finland, Germany and Japan
• National 4-H Program

Special 4-H Programs in Boulder County

• Cloverbud Project & Club (children 5 – 7 years old)
• Lease-An-Animal (members who can’t keep livestock)
• School Enrichment & 4-H Outreach
• STEM/STEAM 4-H promotes 1 million new scientists!

Colorado 4-H Mission
4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

Colorado 4-H Vision
A world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together

4-H Pledge
I pledge…..
My head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
My health to better living
for my club, my community,
my country and my world.

4-H Motto
“To Make the Best Better.” Its intent is to inspire young people to continue to learn and grow, to make their best efforts better through participating in educational experiences. The 4-H motto supports the Colorado 4-H YDP mission of engaging youth in reaching their fullest potential.”

4HOnline is a fully integrated management system that brings together all levels of the 4-H experience. Whether it’s a member logging in to manage their record, a club leader printing mailing labels, or a county agent approving a member’s enrollment, 4HOnline brings the 4-H community together and keeps everyone involved.

About Colorado 4-H Colorado 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, having supported almost six million youth across the country thus far. 4-H reaches over 110,000 youth in Colorado annually, helping them to become confident, independent, resilient, and compassionate leaders. 4-H is delivered by Colorado State University Extension – a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing hands-on projects in areas including health, science, agriculture, and citizenship. Colorado 4-H’s network of over 10,000 volunteers and almost 100 4-H professionals and staff members, provides caring and supportive mentoring to all 4-H’ers, helping them to grow into true leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.

Fair Board Come join in the excitement of planning the Boulder County Fair! We’re looking for talented and conscientious volunteer board members to lead and strengthen our programs at the Fair. If you can contribute your time, thoughtfulness, and leadership one evening a month along with 4 general meetings during the year and are interested in exploring this opportunity, complete an application. To find out whether this volunteer opportunity is right for you or if you have any questions, please contact the Fair Office, 720-864-6460 or info@bouldercountyfair.org.

Colorado 4-H International Programs Programs include short-term Summer Inbound and Outbound programs which are four weeks during the Summer and immerse our members ages 12 to 18 with life in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Romania, Norway, Finland, and Costa Rica. And a three to six-month program where delegates live and work with host families through the Colorado 4-H International Exchange (IFYE) for young adults ages 18 to 30.

You do not need to be enrolled in a horse project to participate. All 4-H ages are welcome, experience is not required!

Horse Bowl Team

Fast-paced, buzzer-style quiz team that tests knowledge of horses, tack, anatomy, care, and management. Great for beginners who like learning facts and for members who enjoy quick-thinking team competition.

Join: Contact Coach Carmen Porter

Horse Hippology Team

Competitive team studying anatomy, nutrition, health, tack, and judging. Teams solve real-world equine management problems, blending individual knowledge with group problem-solving. Beginners welcome. Who: Youth curious about how horses work and who enjoy hands-on learning.

Join: Contact Donna Pattee

Horse Judging Team

Team that trains members to evaluate horses and present clear oral reasons, building observation, decision-making, and public speaking skills. Perfect for youth interested in judging and confident communication.

Join: Contact Coach Kendra McConnell

• Boulder County Horse Bowl – Coach: Carmen Porter ~ 303-885-5702
• Boulder County Hippology – Coach: Donna Pattee ~ 303-482-7581
• Boulder County Horse Judging – Coach: Kendra McConnell ~ 303-956-2885

Boulder County 4-H offers in-school opportunities that combine the 4-H curriculum with school standards for a low cost. Potential projects include STEAM/STEAM activities, home economics, gardening, beekeeping, model rocketry, art, citizenship, nutrition, etc. Any of our state projects can be modified for the classroom setting. Check out Colorado State 4-H Projects for more ideas.

Are you interested in volunteering as a host or leading a Boulder County 4-H in-school, after-school, community or neighborhood setting? We provide training, curriculum, and materials. Call: Faith Kroschel at (303) 678-6387 or email fkroschel@bouldercounty.org or request an event here.

Embryology – $50

Embryology is a fun, rewarding and educational project! The study of embryos is a great way to observe the development of life in just three short weeks by hatching chickens right in your classroom. The project provides numerous opportunities for children to learn the value of life through their observations and information about chickens, eggs and embryonic development.

The fee includes two instructional visits with the classroom, curriculum manual to borrow, 1 dozen fertilized eggs, use of our incubator, heat lamp, feeder and waterer, and a small bag of chick food.  We will take the hatched chicks and return them to the farmer who supplied the eggs or a 4-H member. We are limited on incubators, so they are available on a first come – first serve basis.

• Ages: Grades 1-12 (suited best for late grade school/ middle school)
• Duration: 21 Days (Spring 2023)
• Cost: $50: Cash or Check accepted, payable to Boulder County Extension/ 4-H
• Email:  fkroschel@bouldercounty.org

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with the Boulder County 4-H program. Applications to become a volunteer must be completed within the current 4-H year (Oct 1 – Sept 30) or applicants will need to repeat the process.

1. Online Enrollment

Apply to become a leader by enrolling on 4-H Online. Detailed instructions can be found at Boulder4H.org or by referencing “How do I Enroll on 4-H Online” for detailed instructions.

2. Background Check

You will be asked to provide background information when you enroll on 4-H Online. Watch for an email from HireRight. (Make sure to check your junk/spam). Follow the instructions on the email right away as the email will expire after two days.

3. Positive References

When you enroll on 4-H Online, you will be asked to provide the contact information (full address) for three references (known for at least two years, only one per household, no family). To speed up the process, please contact your references. Ask them to watch for a PDF form by email and to return it quickly.

4. Online Training

Complete all four training modules. Go to http://campus.extension.org and find the login box on the left. If you have an account then log in with your username and password. Note: (Most will need to create a new account.)

When approved, you will receive a letter in the mail from Boulder County Extension.

Questions? Contact Lisa Wallace

• Email: lwallace@bouldercounty.org
• Phone: 303-678-6384
• Address: Boulder County Extension, 9595 Nelson Rd, Box B, Longmont CO 80501

You are not an authorized Boulder County 4-H Leader until ALL of these steps are completed and confirmed. Do not work directly with youth until you are authorized to do so. You are personally liable unless you are an authorized leader. When you are an authorized leader and are not negligent, you have liability protection as a 4-H volunteer provided by Colorado State University.

The last day to enroll or change your project in Boulder County is the last Thursday of April. Anyone enrolling in 4-H after this date will not be eligible to show your project at the County or State Fair. You may still enroll and sign up for our Discovery 4-H project. You will present to your club (or wherever else you decide with your club leader) and you will submit your record book on this project. We also have several other events you can attend and participate in.

FairEntry is the system the Boulder County Fair uses to allow people to sign up to show at their fair.

Our 4-H members will use FairEntry to sign up to show their projects at the fair. If you need help or have questions book a time to speak with Jeannie, she will be able to walk you through it or answer questions. Here is a tips sheet.

Cloverbuds in Boulder County

Boulder County Cloverbud Program Information Page

Who are Cloverbud 4-H’ers?
Our youngest 4-H’ers aren’t quite ready to participate in many of the project areas and/or activities that older children do such as caring for or showing animals, shooting sports activities, launching rockets or baking. But there is still plenty for them to do in 4-H, starting with fun! Cloverbuds is an exciting 4-H program for 5, 6, or 7-year-old children.

The emphasis is on participation, learning, and teamwork, not competition. They might learn about nutrition while helping to prepare simple snacks, plant seeds, and learn what to do to help them grow or decorate a cake to learn about elements of design and planning.

What do Cloverbuds do?
Cloverbuds are members of a 4-H club with a trained leader. Not all 4-H clubs have a Cloverbuds leader, so look for one that does. The youth participate in activities and special workshops and events throughout the year such as demonstrations, community service, and being a part of a team.

Cloverbuds focuses on a curriculum that can be used at home or with a club.

Cloverbud Activities

Cloverbuds can participate in many 4-H activities. Activities include Participation in 4-H clubs, 4-H Fashion Revue, 4-H Carnival, Cat Show (stuffed cat only), Demonstration/Speech with club or participation at county contest, Creative Cooks, Performing Arts, Cake Decorating, Cloverbud Camp, and Cloverbud Kits.

Limitations of Cloverbuds

Cloverbud-aged children have limitations in what they can do physically, understand mentally, grasp emotionally, and how they interact socially, therefor activities for Cloverbuds are designed for youth ages 5-7. Special consideration is given to ensure emotional and physical safety. Activities that Cloverbuds do not participate in are:

• Shooting sports
• Raising animals
• Baking
• Launching rockets