How to Start a 4-H Club

Johnston County 4-H Clubs

Johnston County has many clubs for you to choose from for your children. But, we always have room for more! Don't see what you're interested in? Consider starting your own 4-H club! Read below to see what it takes.

Helpful Documents:

Identify what kind of 4-H club you want to have, specific or community? What main subject would you want to cover?
Consider your target age range for the subject matter
- 4-H serves youth ages 5 - 18 years old (as of Jan. 1st of the current year)
Develop a name for the club
Select location of meetings (can vary depending on meeting activity/lesson)
Determine meeting dates and times (ex: 2nd Tues. of every month @ 6pm)
- Be consistent
Meet with your local 4-H Agent to discuss these steps further.
- We are here to help you every step of the way!
Register club leader(s) in 4-H online
- Provide 3 non-family member references. They will be contacted.
- Watch Training Video
- Complete Background screening
Plan a Open House (if desired)
Once Charter paperwork is complete, we can then set up the first meeting date

Club Requirements:

Must meet 6 times a year
Must have 5 members from 3 different families
Must complete a minimum of 1 service project per year
Members must be enrolled in 4-H Online
Must fill out Club Charter Paperwork (have to re-chartered every January)
- Charter Application
- 6 Month Plan
- 4-H Name and Emblem Form
- Club Bylaws (we provide a basic set)
Must have two "Level 1" Volunteers registered in 4-H online
- In other words, must have two Club Leaders

Levels of Volunteers

"Level 1": Can be left in the sole custody/care of 4-H members. Must register in 4-H online. A Background Check is required, we must contact 3 (non-family member) references, you are required to watch a training video and be approved in 4-H Online.

"Level 2": CANNOT be left in the sole custody/care of 4-H members. More of a supporting role. Must register in 4-H Online, watch a training video, and then be approved in 4-H Online.

If you have any further questions, please contact kaena_prince@ncsu.edu.