Some dictionaries define a club as an association of persons with some common objectives, jointly supported and meeting periodically.

The primary purpose of a 4-H club is to support the development of each youth participant’s full potential. The club structure helps volunteers build significant relationships with members. Projects become a means of achieving the primary purpose of positive youth development.

The content of a 4-H club program is determined by the common needs and interests of the young people and adults involved. Members, volunteers, leaders and parents should work together to set the club program and establish expectations for everyone involved.
Clubs are sanctioned and permitted to use the 4-H name and emblem by their county MSU Extension office. Clubs should have young people in leadership roles and practice democratic principles. 4-H clubs are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status or family status.

A model 4-H club includes the following:

• At least five youth members from two or more families.
• One or (preferably) more caring adult volunteers working with members, teen leaders and parents.
• A structure that gives members the shared responsibility for making decisions and operating the club. (This is usually done with elected officers).
• An organized, fun and educational program planned by members, volunteers and parents.
• Six or (preferably) more club meetings during the year.
• Participation in learning experiences outside of the local group.
• Involvement in the community such as through community service.
• Personal evaluation and recognition of progress on individual and group goals.

Types of 4-H Clubs

There are three main types of 4-H clubs in Michigan: community, project and explorer clubs. All three types include the elements of a model 4-H club.

Community Clubs

A community club involves members of a variety of ages and interests. They average 20 to 25 members, but could have more than 100 members. All members attend the “general” club meetings, which are often held monthly throughout the year. Club meetings include group building activities, business and educational programs. Each member also works in one or more project clubs, which meet at other times on a variable schedule under the guidance of a volunteer project leader.

A community club is managed and advised by one or more volunteer organizational leaders with the support of club officers, teen leaders, project leaders and parents. Organizational leaders and project leaders should all be registered volunteers within the county 4-H program.

The geographic area covered by a community club may vary from a particular school or housing complex to a community, township or larger area. A club may be sponsored by an existing organization such as a school, religious congregation, community center or block club.

Other names for community clubs are “multiproject,” “variety” and “general.”

Project Clubs

Project clubs are centered around one 4-H project, in which all members participate. The average project club has 10 to 20 members. Club meetings are held weekly or monthly or on some other regular schedule and focus on project work and business. Meetings can be held seasonally or throughout the year. Additional club activities are scheduled for group-building and family involvement.

Project clubs are led by volunteer administrative leaders and one or more volunteer project leaders working together for project teaching and club organization.

Explorer Clubs

Explorer clubs may begin with a minimum of five members from two families under the leadership of one or two adult volunteers. The club chooses only one or two projects. It should have a minimum of six meetings planned by the members and volunteers. The time span can be as short as six weeks or as long as one year. Explorer clubs need frequent contact from the county volunteer or staff support system. These clubs are not usually intended to be ongoing clubs. Members commonly move from explorer clubs to community or project clubs as they continue their 4-H involvement. This type of club is also sometimes called a “discovery club” or “mini club.”

Other Types of 4-H Involvement

Other options for 4-H involvement include home school groups, special interest programs, individual study, family groups, and after-school or in-school (public, charter, private) enrichment programs. Most of these alternative forms of involvement are designed to run for limited periods with a focus on learning a specific topic. They provide exposure to 4-H resources.

A desirable outcome of these alternative 4-H programs would be consistent with the outcomes listed earlier. Visibility of the affiliation with 4-H during short-term programs, follow-up with participants and an active referral system to existing clubs are critical for helping short-term participants move into on-going 4-H clubs.