Join 4-H | Learn More – Extension Dunn County

Dunn County Enrollment Information:

New 4-Hers may enroll at any time!! Returning families re-enroll each year in September after 4H Online re-opens for the new year. Please re-enroll before early October and choose or take away projects so that we know who might be interested in upcoming events this year. Contact the Extension Office if you need help enrolling or re-enrolling.

However, in order to participate in the Dunn County 4-H fair and/or 4-H softball, members must be enrolled by May 1st. May 1st is the deadline for new members to join 4-H and still be able to exhibit at the Dunn County Fair in the Junior Division. Enrollments must be in the Extension office by May 1st.

After May 1st you may still join 4-H, but will not be allowed to play softball or exhibit at the Dunn County Fair in the Junior Division for the current year.

Age categories as youth grow with 4-H explained:

Cloverbuds: Youth in grades K-2. Cloverbuds are enrolled solely in Cloverbud projects.

Explorers: Youth in grades 3. It is meant to allow kids to try a variety of project areas and to exhibit a variety of projects at the fair. Youth in grades 3 are required to take Exploring as a project on 4HOnline.

Members: Youth in grades 4 and up participate as regular members.

**Grade is determined by registration into the school district during the 4-H enrollment period. When a child exhibits at the fair, they are enrolled under the grade that they just completed, not the grade they will be entering in Fall after the fair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a community club?

A 4-H club is a self-governing group of five or more young people led by members, parents, and adults from the local community. Members elect officers to lead their club meetings and activities. The main purpose of the 4-H club is to develop life skills through hands on learning, social support building, and guidance from adult mentors.

How often should club members attend meetings?

Club members should attend at least 50% of the club meetings in order to remain a member, with parents attending as many meetings as possible. Specific clubs will have different requirements about attendance.

Are there any club dues?

Club dues range from $3 to $9, depending on the club.

What is a 4-H member expected to do?

When you join 4-H, you are expected to attend your club’s meetings and enroll in at least one 4-H project.
4-H members are encouraged to share what they have learned in their projects by displaying their work at the Dunn County Fair, Arts Festival, or by giving a public demonstration. Each of these is an opportunity for 4-H members to achieve recognition and awards.
Clubs organize community service projects and host events and activities. Members are encouraged to participate in these community projects.
4-H members are encouraged to keep a record through pictures and stories of their 4-H experiences throughout the 4-H year. These record books are turned in to club leaders in the fall and then returned to members for a lasting memory of their 4-H years.
All clubs have different expectations of their members beyond this general list, so talk with you club leader

What is a project?

A 4-H Project is a fun way to learn about your interests and learn skills along the way. There are over 150 projects to choose from, including photography, foods and nutrition, and dogs. 4-H projects teach more than just project skills, they teach leadership, citizenship, and teamwork. Check out this exhaustive list of 4-H Projects in depth for more information.

How many projects may participants enroll in?

Youth in grades 3-13. Can take up to 5 projects. Enrolling beyond 5 projects is left up to the discretion of the adult leader and parent. Members are expected to participate in all projects in which they are enrolled.

How can parents/guardians/mentors participate?

You can participate in the following ways:

Becoming a certified 4-H Project, Key, or Resource Leader
Assisting members in selecting 4-H Projects
Attending club meetings
Helping members with club activities
Being supportive and showing interest in member and club activities
Providing assistance to the general and project leaders
Serving on a club or county committee of your choice
Offering your skills and talents. (Parents make great project leaders!)
Providing Transportation

This is just a short list of what you can do as a parent. Ask your General Leader about other ways you can help!

The most important role of adults in 4-H is to support their children in the commitments they make, help them think through decisions, and assist them in reaching their goals. By making 4-H a family affair, parents and adults can assist the youth of today to become tomorrows leaders.

Who are General Leaders?

General Leaders are organizational leaders for the 4-H club. They coordinate programs and activities as planned by the group. They work with club officers in helping them conduct monthly meetings. They help members as well as parents follow through with responsibilities they have accepted. The General Leaders are the main resource between the club, the Leaders Council and the Extension Office. The General Leader is also in attendance at all club meetings. General Leaders are not responsible for planning and facilitating all programs for the club, they serve as a resource for the adult leaders who take responsibility for these activities.

Who are Project, Key, or Resource Leaders?

Project Leaders are the key teaching members of the 4-H clubs. These individuals conduct project meetings where 4-Her’s learn the how to’s of their projects. They provide encouragement, guidance, and evaluation. They also arrange for educational opportunities like tours and other activities that relate to the project areas. Key Leaders have the these same responsibilities but work with multiple clubs who may not have enough Project Partners. Resource Leaders also carry these same responsibilities but on a county level.

Who are Activity Leaders?

These leaders work with committees in arranging for such activities as recreation, drama, music, speech, special parties, health or safety emphasis, environmental awareness, and or community service.

What are the 4-H insurance policies?

All 4-H members are covered by a supplemental accident insurance policy through American Income Life. Certified 4-H leaders are also covered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison liability policy. Information on these insurance policies is available from the Extension Office. If an injury during a scheduled 4-H event occurs, it should be reported to the Extension Office as soon as possible.

How long may participants be members?

Youth continue to be eligible for membership through the year following their graduation from high school.

Are you interested in 4-H? – Joining a club is easy!

Three Simple Steps

(1) Find a Dunn County Club you’d like to join.

(2) Create an account on 4-H Online

(3) Contact your Club Leader & go to your first meeting!!

First, find a club near you.

After locating a club/s that you may be interested in, reach out to the club leaders. They are happy to give you more information about their specific club. Check out the Club Meetings and Leaders sheet for Club Leader’s contact information and the Family Handbook 2019-2020 a quick inside look of the Dunn County 4-H Community Clubs.

Once you find a club that is right for your family sign up using the online 4-H enrollment program — https://wi.4honline.com and follow these directions Enrolling in 4HOnline.

Now that you have enrolled make sure to attend your next clubs meeting to get started right away!

If you would like help navigating the process feel free to call the Extension Dunn County office for guidance. Just explain that you are looking into joining a 4-H club and we’ll connect you with the right person, 715-232-1636

Stay Updated with the Dunn County 4-H program on Facebook!

If you have any questions regarding 4-H Youth Development, please contact:

Luisa Gerasimo
4-H Program Coordinator
lgerasimo@co.dunn.wi.us

Extension Dunn County
3001 US Hwy 12 E, Room 216
Menomonie WI 54751-3045
Phone: 715-232-1636
Fax: 715-231-6687