Welcome to 4-H

Junior(Ages 7-9) Members Resource Guide

Ages above should be a reflection of the age they are as of January 1(2026) of the current year.

Attend and Participate in Club Meetings

A 4-H club is a group of young people and adults who meet regularly throughout the year for fun and learning. Most clubs hold monthly meetings, which are planned and led by youth officers with the guidance of club leaders. They offer activities which include demonstrations, project work, community service, and social events for the youth members.

Typical 4-H Meeting Experience

➡️ Opening – Call to Order & Pledges
➡️ Business – Youth-led planning & decision-making 💼
➡️ Education/Program – Demonstrations, speakers, or hands-on projects 🎨🔬
➡️ Recreation – Games, activities, or snacks 🎲🍪
➡️ Closing – Wrap up & reminders ✅

👨👩👧 What Parents/Guardians and Caregivers Can Expect

  • 👍Be Involved – Parents are encouraged to attend meetings
  • 🚗Encourage & Support – Help your child finish what they start
  • 📣Transportation – Provide or arrange rides to activities
  • 📰 Stay Informed – Read the newsletter, attend meetings, and ask questions

What to Ask Your Club Leader

  • Club Calendar – When and where do we meet?
  • Project Options – What projects are right for my child’s age?
  • Meeting Structure – What will my child do during meetings?
  • Fees & Deadlines – What’s due, and when?

🌟 Age-Appropriate Club Experiences (Ages 7–9)

🗳Business Meeting Participation

  • Lead the Pledges
  • Answer roll call questions at each meeting
  • Give a short committee report on an activity they help plan
  • Vote on decisions

🏅 Leadership Roles (rotating & fun!)

  • Recreation Leader – Lead a game 👥
  • Song Leader – Teach a song 🎵
  • Meeting Host – Greet & help set up 🧑‍🏫
  • Committee Member – Help plan events 👥

Club Participation = Growth!

  • Project Work – Learn hands-on skills at club or county project meetings
  • Presentations & Demos – Try “show & tell” or teach a simple skill
  • Field Trips & Tours – Explore and learn together
  • Service Projects – Give back with cards, clean-ups, or food drives
  • Fundraisers – Support your club while learning teamwork

Explore 4-H Projects

Check out Spark Sheets & curriculum guides on the Kansas 4-H Project Page for age-appropriate ideas like gardening, food & nutrition, animals, and more!

4-H Experiences and Events

  • 🏆 Achievement Celebration – Recognize members’ accomplishments
  • 4-H Camp – Adventure at Rock Springs Ranch (ages 7–18)
  • 🎤 Club Day – Practice public speaking & presentations
  • 🐮 Project Skill-a-Thon – Learn about 4-H projects in a fun camp format
  • 🎄 Bromelsick Party & Memorial – A local 4-H tradition
  • 🎡 Douglas County Fair – Showcase your project work & earn ribbons
  • 🌻 Kansas State Fair – Compete at the state level (ages 9+)

Stay Connected!
Read the Douglas County 4-H Newsletter each month for updates, deadlines, and opportunities!

Life Skills Gained as a Junior 4-H Member (Ages 7–9)

Being a Junior 4-H member means learning by doing, discovering their sparks, and building skills that help them thrive! Through projects, club activities, and working with friends and mentors, members grow confident, responsible, and Beyond Ready for the future.

SkillsYou will Gain in 4-H:

Communication: Share ideas, practice public speaking, and work well with others.
Citizenship: Make a difference by helping your club and community.
Leadership: Take initiative, lend a hand, and lead by example.
Confidence: Believe in yourself as you try new things and succeed.
Responsibility: Choose projects, set goals, and see them through.
Problem-Solving: Think through challenges and create solutions.
Teamwork: Learn to work together and celebrate group success.
Healthy Lifestyles: Build character, manage emotions, and make positive choices.
Project Skills: From STEM and nutrtion to gardening and animal care—hands-on learning is part of the fun!

In 4-H, Juniors don’t just learn skills—they discover who they are, build friendships, and begin their journey to a thriving future!

Interested in Enrolling

The 4-H year runs from October 1 through September 30. While enrollment is open year-round, youth must be enrolled by May 1(2026) of the current 4-H year in order to participate in the Douglas County Fair 4-H division.

Enrollment Information

New Families 4-H Guide