Project Areas
For more than 100 years, the 4-H youth development has focused on growing youth who thrive through science, engineering and technology; healthy living; and citizenship. The broad scope of these three areas allow youth to develop skills in a variety of arenas, creating well-rounded and knowledgeable citizens.
- Science, Engineering, Technology (SET): agriculture and life sciences, family and consumer resource management, environmental education, technology, engineering.
- Citizenship: civic awareness, community service, service-learning, leadership, global citizenship.
- Healthy Living: nutrition, physical health, safety, mental health.
Project-Based Learning
Each year, a 4-H Clubs member enrolls in at least one project. Members enrolling for the first time may be encouraged to take on only one or two projects. As members gain experience, the size or depth of the project may increase or additional projects may be selected. Some project groups meet once a week, while others might meet once or twice a month. The purpose of these meetings is to guide the members in gaining knowledge, attitudes, skills, and habits needed to successfully navigate educational and professional pursuits, and their role as citizens in a complex world.
A 4-H project is:
- Planned work in an area of interest to the 4-H member.
- Guided by a 4-H adult volunteer who is the project leader.
- Aimed at planned objectives that can be attained and measured.
- Summarized by some form of record keeping.
- A minimum of six hours of project instruction.
Projects help 4-H members find and nurture their spark.
Sparks are what help youth see the potential within themselves. Sparking the inner passions, interests and talents of young people that inspire them on the path to thriving is central to youth development work.
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If your Spark is… |
You might be interested in… |
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How things work |
Robotics, Computers, Small Engines, Rocketry, GIS/GPS… |
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Making a difference in the community |
Child Development, Leadership, Community Service, Public Speaking… |
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Getting fit, staying healthy |
Fitness and Sports, Food and Nutrition, Health, Cooking... |
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Animals and how to care for them |
Birds, Cattle, Dogs, Goats, Rabbits, Pigs… |
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Singing, dancing, painting, pottery |
Dance, Photography, Theater Arts, Graphic Arts, Clay Arts… |
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Shooting sports, hunting |
Archery, Rifle, Pistol, Muzzle… |
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Clothing, interior design, shopping |
Textiles, Fashion Revue, Consumer Education… |
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Gardening, landscaping, farming |
Junior Master Gardener, Horticulture, Mini-gardens… |
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Hiking, nature, the environment |
Camping, Astronomy, Fishing, Forestry, Oceanography… |
...and much more!
Project availability varies by county and club.
PDF: California 4-H Project List
Word: California 4-H Project List
Excel: California 4-H Project List
