Welcome to Cornell Cooperative Extension - Chautauqua County

Starting a 4-H Club

How do you get a 4-H group started?
You need at least five young people 5 to 19 years old and adult leaders who are willing to help. A 4-H Educator is available to assist you with everything you need to get started.

How big should a club be?
This depends on the age of the members, where they meet and the leadership available. The average club in Chautauqua County usually has five to ten members and two or three leaders. All new clubs are encouraged to start small and increase in size when the club leaders feel comfortable.

What about officers?
4-H clubs may have officers. The 4-H Office provides helpful materials and a county-wide training for presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries, treasurers, news reporters, recreation leaders, and historians. The club format is an excellent vehicle for leadership development!

How much does it cost?
$10.00 per member. The fee covers insurance, newsletter and other notices. If a club wants money for activities, it participates in and county-wide cookie sale fundraiser and/or charges dues. Dues may not be used to keep someone from joining 4-H.

Is there more to the club experience?
Yes! Opportunities abound for 4-Hâ??ers to expand their experiences through countywide programs. These programs provide higher levels of learning and achievement. The programs also offer opportunities to meet youth throughout the county, the region, the state and the nation!

What types of clubs are there?
Community Clubs: Caring adult leaders make use of 4-H curricula, resources and training to provide informal hands on experiential learning opportunities for youth.

Cloverbud Clubs: Are special groups for members 5-8 years. Specific curricula and projects have been designed to meet the developmental needs of our youngest members.

How do I get started?
Contact the 4-H Office at 664-9502 x214 or cmh21@cornell.edu to get a volunteer application.