What is a 4-H Club?
4-H clubs are organized groups of youth who meet regularly with approved adult club leaders and volunteers to explore youth interests, provide positive experiences, and connect them with local, regional, and national opportunities. Clubs have been a critical aspect of 4-H's model of positive youth development since the beginning of the 20th century. They encourage youth to thrive academically, pursue their curiosities, work alongside their peers, and make long-lasting friendships.
Benefits of a Club Model
The 4-H club model allows youth to explore their shared interests and discover new ones together. They provide a consistent opportunity to learn new things through experiential learning and help connect youth to different county, regional, state, and national 4-H events. Clubs can also cover a wide range of topics and projects. These topics and projects can include, but are not limited to, the following;
- Agriculture
- Animal Science
- Art
- Astronomy
- Career Development, Exploration, & Readiness
- Civic Engagement
- Citizenship & Community Service
- Computer Programming
- Cooking & Baking
- Engineering
- Entrepreneurship
- Forestry & Wildlife
- Gardening
- Horticulture
- Natural Sciences
- Public Speaking
- Sewing & Design
- Theatre Arts
- Trade Skills
4-H Club Types in North Carolina
Project Clubs focus on particular subject areas in 4-H. These can include topics such as, but are not limited to, STEM, agriculture, horses, photography, robotics, and many more.
Cloverbuds are for youth ages 5 to 7. Cloverbuds can participate in countywide activities, and it is a great way for youth to get a look into 4-H.
Spin Clubs will cover several topics instead of just one. They introduce new topics, gauge interest in starting longer-term clubs, and help recruit new 4-H members.
Military Clubs are clubs that help connect military youth and ensure that they have a high-quality, educational, and positive experience wherever they live.
Community Clubs are local clubs where groups of youth in the community meet, participate in club activities, and explore group interests.
In-school Clubs meet at school-based locations before or after school. School clubs are a great way to expand on projects, create fun activities for students, and strengthen collaboration with other students and staff.
Youth Leadership Clubs are groups of youth interested in civic engagement and citizenship projects. They also collaborate with other local and statewide clubs.
Requirements for 4-H Clubs
- To be considered a club, there must be at least 5 youth members from at least 3 families.
- Clubs must have a minimum of 6 regular club meetings annually, with many holding 9-12 regular meetings throughout most or all of the year, and often supplemented by project meetings, camps, fairs, and other 4-H learning activities.
- Clubs will select youth officers or youth leaders to provide leadership to the club.
- Clubs will meet at a 4-H-approved site, such as a community center, military installation, library, public housing site, school, afterschool program, and/or many other places.
- Clubs can adapt to and support the mobility of youth and parents—linking them to 4-H programs in other counties and states.
- The club meets the interests and needs of youth in same-age or cross-age groupings and uses single-project or multiple-project formats.
- The club is advised and led by adult staff or volunteers who have been screened and trained.
Current 4-H Clubs in Mecklenburg County
Mecklenburg County has one official club at this time. The South Charlotte Clovers are a group of high school students focused on citizenship and civic engagement projects throughout the South Charlotte and Ballaytne area.
We are currently expanding our club efforts in 2026 and expect to have more clubs in a variety of locations in Mecklenburg County soon.
Joining or Starting a New 4-H Club
If you are interested in joining, hosting, or starting a new 4-H club in Mecklenburg County, please reach out to your local 4-H Agent to discuss the next steps.
To start a club in Mecklenburg County, you have to go through a charter process. Please visit the club chartering information under the Resources tab.
Club Operations & Positions
Club meeting times and dates are up to the members' availability. Most clubs meet once a month, but some meet more often throughout the year. It is important to establish the 4-H club's schedule early in the year. This allows members to plan their club tasks and helps them stay on track. To learn more about club meetings and how to plan them, please review the documents under the resources tab.
4-H clubs will also have youth members acting as club officers. This allows youth to experience leadership and practice accountability. Below are the officer positions associated with each club. If you want to see the duties associated with each position, please see the 4-H Officer Handbook under the resources tab.
- Club President
- Club Vice President
- Club Secretary
- Club Treasurer
- Club Reporter
- Specialized Officer Position (See Handbook)