Join 4-H | Learn More

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 by November 1st and select 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.

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.

Members: Youth in grades 3 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.

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. Club descriptions and map (pdf).
  2. Create an account on 4-H Online
  3. Contact your Club Leader (pdf) & go to your first meeting!!

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. Additional information can be found in the Family Handbook (pdf).

Once you find a club that is right for your family sign up using the online 4-H enrollment program —  4-H Online and follow these directions for Enrolling in 4HOnline (pdf).  

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Club dues range from $3 to $10, depending on the club.

  • 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, Festivals, 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

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.

Youth in grades 3-13. We recommend up to 5 projects, however if enrolling for more than 5 projects please be aware of the time commitment to the projects you enroll in. Members are expected to participate in all projects in which they are enrolled.

You can participate in the following ways:

  • Becoming a certified 4-H Volunteer
  • 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.

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.

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. These leaders can take on more responsibility by working with multiple clubs who may not have enough Project Leaders or even carry these same responsibilities on a county level.

These volunteers work to arrange for activities such as recreation, drama, music, speech, special parties, health or safety emphasis, environmental awareness, and or community service.

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.

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

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

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

More in this Section

Support Extension