What is 4-H?

In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.

4-H began over 100 years ago, and has since grown into the largest youth development program in the nation. 4-H prepares young people to be leaders in their community and around the world through hands-on experiences alongside their peers and caring adults. Backed by a network of more than 6 million youth, 540,000 adult volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 60 million alumni; 4-H delivers research-based programming around positive youth development. 4-H is delivered through the land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension Service—reaching every corner of our nation.

In Indiana, 4-H can be found in all 92 counties as delivered through Purdue Extension. Community clubs, afterschool programs, school enrichment, camps/workshops, and special programs are all ways youth across Indiana can be involved with the 4-H program.

4-H helps young people develop life skills. The basic life skills are:

  1. Building self-confidence.
  2. Developing an inquiring mind.
  3. Setting goals and making decisions.
  4. Relating to other people.
  5. Developing a concern for the community.
  6. Developing leadership skills.

4-H TERMS TO KNOW

Get to know more about 4-H

4-H Club: A 4-H Club is a group of young people that meet regularly, usually once a month, to learn together and build friendships.

4-H Project: 4-H members can learn more about different subjects by working on hands-on activities, called projects. These projects can be exhibited at the Vigo County Fair. For rules and regulations for projects check our Vigo County Fair Book.

4-H Project Manual: 4-H project manuals are activity guides that help members learn more about each project. Contact the extension office for project manuals.

Project/Exhibit Guidelines: For project/exhibit rules and regulations for the Vigo County Fair check out the Vigo County Fair Book. *Note: This is updated yearly and final rules are typically published around March.

Fair Book: The Fair Book not only has project/exhibit rules and regulations. It has a schedule of events, forms, and all the information you need for fair!

Record Sheet: This is a form for members to record their projects each year. This is a good way to keep track of what you have done which will help when you are filling out scholarship and college applications. These record of achievements will be turned in at the end of fair.

4-H Online: This is a website used for program enrollment, event registrations, and communication. When you join 4-H, you will create an account for your family in 4-H Online. Each family member in 4-H will be added to that profile. You will be asked to pick your club as well as what projects you are interested in at time of enrollment.

Fair Entry: Fair Entry is a website used to register your projects, exhibits, animals and contests for the Vigo County Fair.

Project Judging: All projects entered into the Vigo County Fair will be judged via Open Judging. A 4-H member presents their project to a judge and has the opportunity to explain what they have learned.

Enrollment

4-H enrollmentis opens in the Fall- a specific date is announced each year. We encourage you to sign up between October 1st and January 15th of each year to get the most out of your 4-H experience. Enrollment is open year round, but specific animals to be shown has a deadline of May 15 for Animal Identification with the state. Existing members and volunteers must re-enroll in the program each year.

When you go to 4-H Online, you will create an account for your family. You will then add individual profiles for each family member who participates in 4-H. During enrollment, you will choose your 4-H club or you can request help picking a club that is right for you!

If you have questions about registration contact the extension office at 812-462-3371.

Enroll at 4honline.com

Program fees

New and returning youth members in grades 3-12 will submit a $25 program fee.There are no fees for Mini 4-H enrollment. 

  • Submit payment through 4-H online.
  • Once you submit your enrollment(s), your information and payment will be sent to the 4-H office for review.You will be notified when it has been approved.

4-H at the county fair is the showcase part of the 4-H program. It’s where youth members (K–12) bring the projects they’ve been working on all year to exhibit, compete, and share with the community.

Here’s what it involves:

  • Project Exhibits: Members display things they’ve made or learned in project areas
  • Animal Shows: Livestock are shown and judged.
  • Judging & Awards: Projects and animals are evaluated by judges. Youth may earn awards in their project divisions.

Basically, the county fair is the big finish of the 4-H year—where learning, fun, and recognition all come together.

How to participate:

  • ENROLL IN 4-H! Add project areas of interest in 4-H online as you enroll. Enroll at 4Honline.com. 
  • Register your project on Fair Entry at FairEntry.com after May 15 before fair. Target dates will be at a later date.
  • Bring your project to project judging!
  • Enjoy your time at the VIGO COUNTY FAIR!