4-H clubs are the foundation of every successful 4-H program. They provide volunteers and young people with unlimited opportunities for learning, building relationships and having fun.

4-H clubs can take many different forms. They can be single project clubs, after-school clubs, in-school clubs or community clubs. Regardless of the structure, the primary purpose of 4-H clubs is to support the development of each youth participant’s full potential. The club structure is designed to help volunteers and members build significant, and lasting relationships.

Signs of Success

Signs that your club is succeeding in helping your members achieve these outcomes include:

• Young people actively participate in their learning.
• Young people have opportunities to make decisions.
• Opportunities exist for social interaction among the members and the families who make up the club.
• Youth members serve in leadership roles within the club.
• Progress toward personal and club goals is assessed regularly.
• Club members are recognized and appreciated in multiple ways.
• Young people have the opportunity to participate in public events that support and enhance their learning.
• Young people are involved in community activities that provide service to others.
• The club recognizes its connections to the county, state and national 4-H and Extension organizations.

To find out more about how to create and maintain a strong and vibrant 4-H club, talk with your county 4-H staff about resources available through your county MSU Extension office and visit the Michigan 4-H Youth Development Web site at http://web1.msue.msu.edu/cyf/youth/index.html.