4-H is an informal, educational youth organization, and our county has a large and active program!

All youth in 5K through grade 13 are eligible to join 4-H. Parents, guardians, and adults are encouraged to be volunteer leaders. 

Did you know?

• The 4-H program is the youth development program of the University of Wisconsin Extension, and is guided by faculty and staff members from the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension.
• The 4-H program is the largest youth organization in Wisconsin with 150,000 youth members and 30,000 adult volunteers.
• No Farm? No Problem!
  • Some people hesitate to join 4-H because they don’t live on farms. You don’t have to have animals or live on a farm to be a 4-H member or leader! About 80% of 4-H members live in cities, villages, or in rural non-farm homes. In addition to the traditional animal projects, projects are offered in many other interest areas from archery and shotgun, to Legos, to robotics, to photography, to the arts, and everything in between.
• The Ozaukee County 4-H programs receives educational support and coordination through the UW-Madison Division of Extension Ozaukee County Office located in Port Washington.

The four H’s are Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. That means that we are committed to providing opportunities for youth to learn life skills like decision-making, problem-solving, caring for others, generosity, making healthy choices, and more!

4-H involves youth in project-based education. Through project learning, youth can explore their interests (“sparks”) and master new skills. 4-H projects are meant to be ‘hands-on’ to create a memorable learning experience. Since 4-H started in the early 1900’s youth have learned by doing.

• Learn by Doing is a hands-on process that allows youth to understand not only how to do something but also why they are doing it.
• 4-H Projects are specific areas of interest for 4-H members and volunteers that allow for learn by doing.
• Projects cover a wide variety of topics – shooting sports, arts & communication, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), small and large animal, community involvement, outdoor education (natural sciences), plant & soil sciences, family, home, and health, cultural projects or you can start a project of you own!
• Youth/Adult Partnerships – Projects are led by 4-H leaders who create learning partnerships with youth.

Most 4-H youth and the adults who care about them get their start with a 4-H club. Clubs can meet in a variety of settings so we can support youth where they are in the community.

Find out more about the various community clubs in Ozaukee County by clicking on button below!