Welcome to Grafton County 4-H!
4-H is the community for everyone. We do it all – we are in the woods, on the farm, on the shooting range, in the garden, making, stitching, engineering, building, leading through service, climbing mountains, and always reaching new horizons.
Everything we do in 4-H is designed and implemented to build a more inclusive and positive environment. Much of what we do is rooted in community improvement. By strengthening the communities around us we strengthen our own. We learn by doing and are always making our best better.
In 4-H, youth complete hands-on projects in areas like agri-science, STEM, healthy living, and citizenship. 4-H’ers receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.
Our programs are primarily geared towards youth from ages 8-18, however we have ways for 5-7-year-olds to participate as a “Cloverbud” in several types of programs. Our program is structured in the form of community clubs, county-wide events, and SPINs (short-term programs designed around a SPecial INterest). Whether you are looking to join a tight-knit group that meets routinely (a community club), be casually involved in something fun and positive (SPINs), or anywhere in between, you can work on projects in areas of your interest, expand your level of understanding, and build relationships that will last a lifetime.
4-H clubs and programs would not be possible without our dedicated group of volunteers. 4-H nationally gets over a billion dollars of time and expertise from volunteers every year. Giving children skills and opportunities is incredibly rewarding to our volunteers, and 4-H supports and empowers them to make the maximum impact possible. If you are interested in volunteering, contact me. There are many ways to volunteer and support our program.
Further explore our website to learn more about how you can get started in 4-H. To stay connected, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter.
We hope you’ll join us in making the best better!
Donna Lee
4-H Program Manager, Grafton County
Grafton County 4-H: Something for Everyone
4-H is the community for everyone. We do it all – we are in the woods, on the farm, on the shooting range, in the garden, making, stitching, engineering, building, leading through service, climbing mountains, and always reaching new horizons.
In 4-H, youth complete hands-on projects in areas like agriscience, STEM, healthy living, and citizenship. 4-H’ers receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.
Our program is structured in the form of community clubs and afterschool programs, county-wide events, and SPINs (short-term programs designed around a SPecific INterest). Whether the youth in your family are looking to join a tight-knit group that meets routinely (a community club), be casually involved in something fun and positive (SPINs), or anywhere in between, they can work on projects in areas of their interest, expand their level of understanding, and build relationships that will last a lifetime.
Interested in 4-H? Connect with us
Upcoming Events
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November 7, 2024 to December 7th, 2024Hillsborough County 4-H Holiday Greeting Card Art Contest
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December 3, 20246:00pm - 7:30pm, Attention Club Leaders and volunteers: are you looking for a fun and inviting STEM project to do with your Clubs? Here is a great opportunity for you to
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December 9, 20246:00pm - 6:45pm, Geared towards ages 12-18
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December 14, 20249:00am - 12:30pm, REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 4, CLOSES DECEMBER 2
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December 16, 20246:00pm - 6:45pm, Geared towards ages 12-18
The 4-H Basics
What is 4-H?
4-H is America’s largest youth development organization. The purpose of 4-H is to provide a supportive setting for all youth to pursue the projects and interests they love, all while serving the community and gaining valuable life skills.
What do the 4 H’s in 4-H mean?
The 4 H’s stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Our organization’s title is directly connected to our pledge:
"I pledge ... my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world."
How old do you have to be to join 4-H?
Our programs are primarily geared towards youth ages 8-18. However, we have ways for your 5-7-year-olds to participate as a “Cloverbud.” If you are older than 18 and still want to express the 4-H spirit, you can take advantage of our many volunteer opportunities.
How do I find my local county 4-H program?
New Hampshire 4-H is the youth development program of UNH Cooperative Extension, and our 10 County 4-H Programs in New Hampshire serving youth from all over the state. 4-H operates on many levels of the community. There are events, programs, workshops, and opportunities on both the County level and the State level (even the National level). Get started by finding your County 4-H Program here. Your county program is usually the county where you live, but if you are planning to join a 4-H club in a different county, that county program will be your home base.
How do I find a local 4-H Club?
The list of Clubs and Afterschool Programs on your County 4-H Program page is a great place to start. To get connected with a club, complete our 4-H interest form, and a 4-H staff member will be in touch to find out more about your interests and put you in touch with a Club Leader that fits your interests and location.
Who leads 4-H Clubs?
The best people in the world lead 4-H Clubs. No joke! 4-H Volunteers lead Clubs, and you can be sure they are truly invested in giving their attention and skills to your children because they do it for free. 4-H nationally gets over a billion dollars of time and expertise from our Volunteers every year. Why on earth would they do that? Because giving your children skills and opportunities is incredibly rewarding for them, and 4-H supports and empowers them to make the maximum impact possible. All 4-H Volunteers are supported by a professional staff, including your County 4-H Program Manager and Field Specialists who are University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension staff members.
What are 4-H Club meetings like?
4-H youth work on projects of all kinds within four general program pathways: Agricultural Science, Civic Engagement, Healthy Living, and STEM. Some Clubs specifically focus on one of these pathways. Other Clubs generally dabble in all four. Youth have opportunities to present and showcase their projects at the county fairs and other county, state, and regional events – but most of the learning and skill development happens in the Clubs. 4-H Club members build leadership by electing officers and conducting their own business meetings, work together on community service activities, meet new friends, and of course, have lots of fun.
What if I don’t necessarily want to join a club?
There are still many ways to be involved! 4-H is committed to bringing you programs wherever you are, and maybe joining a Club is not for you at this time. Youth and families who want to attend county-wide events and SPINs or work on 4-H projects independently are recognized as “independent members” or “participants”. Find a 4-H event near you or contact us to get started as a 4-H independent member.
How do I officially enroll in 4-H?
ZSuite is our official enrollment database. Registering in ZSuite allows you to manage your 4-H clubs and projects, register your 4-H animals, and sign up for events. Enrollment as a club member or participant is required to register for your county events and SPINs. If you need help enrolling, check out our Enrolling in NH 4-H.
How do I get involved as a 4-H volunteer?
There are many different kinds of opportunities to support 4-H through volunteering – see all of them here. To volunteer as a Club leader, project leader, or SPIN facilitator, there is a volunteer application and onboarding process. We are here to get you started and guide you through it – start by completing the 4-H Volunteer Application online.
Can parents be involved in 4-H Clubs?
Parents can and should be involved in 4-H Clubs. Speak to the Club Leader to define the best role for you!
How do I start a local 4-H group?
Screened 4-H Volunteers can start a 4-H group aka “Club.” There is a more involved orientation process for Club Organizational Leaders that is designed to bring their vision into reality and highlight the extra responsibilities. We are here to get you started and guide you through it – start by completing the 4-H Volunteer Application online.
Grafton County 4-H
There are many opportunities to participate in 4-H in Grafton County!
Join a Club
Many 4-H’ers choose to join a local or countywide Club, which provides opportunities to make new friends, learn from volunteer adult leaders, and gain skills in many project areas. Take a look at the list below of clubs currently active in our county and then contact us to let us know if there are any clubs you might be interested in checking out, and we will put you in touch with the club leaders.
Join as an Independent Member
Maybe you’re not interested in joining a club at this time, and that’s OK! 4-H is committed to bringing you programs wherever you are. Youth and families who attend county-wide events and SPINs or work on 4-H projects independently are recognized as Independent Members.
Find an Event
At the county level we also offer several county-wide events that you can casually attend and enjoy. Grafton County 4-H is infamous at the North Haverhill Fair every year. County-wide “SPINs” are Special Interest courses that are implemented like fieldtrips or workshops and introduce you to a new hobby or project area, or scaffold more advanced concepts in favorite project areas. Check out our Events Calendar to find a short-term program that might interest you!
Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering with Grafton County 4-H, there are many ways to get involved. Take a look our Volunteer Information to find out how you can participate, whether you are looking for the occasional opportunity to volunteer or a more extensive commitment.
Interested in joining an existing 4-H club in Grafton County? Take a look at the list below of clubs currently active in our county and then contact us (ce.grafton@unh.edu) to let us know if there are any clubs you might be interested in checking out, and we will put you in touch with the club leaders.
4-H Clubs in Grafton County
Canaan / Enfield Area
- Cardigan Mountain Bobcats 4-H
- Granite State Rock Stars
Haverhill Area
- Bob-O-Links & Little Oxbow 4-H
- The Little Rascals 4-H
Holderness Area
- Free Rangers 4-H
Piermont / Orford Area
- Friendly Fences 4-H
Rumney / Plymouth Area
- Rumney Farmers 4-H
County-wide
- Grafton County 4-H Teen Club
- Independent 4-H Members
- 4-H Youth Leadership Team
Reach out to your local County 4-H team to get started on your 4-H journey!
There are countless ways to support Grafton County 4-H, and no way too small. Thank you for considering supporting the important work we are doing.
To support our programs by donating to the Leaders' Association, checks can be made payable to the "Grafton County 4-H Leaders' Association" and sent to UNH Extension, Attn: Grafton County 4-H, 3855 Dartmouth College Highway, Suite 5, North Haverhill, NH 03774. All donations received go directly to enhancing 4-H programming throughout the county, as well as providing scholarships for youth and leaders to attend events, trainings, and trips.
We are always seeking volunteers to fill a number of different roles. E-mail ce.grafton@unh.edu to learn more.
MEMBERSHIP
Upon completion of the screening process, a volunteer becomes an official 4-H leader, and an automatic member of the Grafton County 4-H Leaders' Association.
During the 2022-2023 4-H year, there were 65 screened and enrolled leaders.
PURPOSE
The Associations' bylaws outline nine purposes, three of which are:
- "To provide a county organization through which 4-H leaders may fellowship with other 4-H leaders for the exchange of ideas, discussion of leadership questions and/or problems, and sharing of information and instruction."
- "To serve by establishing committees to work with Cooperative Extension County Office staff in the planning and implementation of yearly educational programs, and adopting 4-H activities to meet needs within the county."
- "To create and control trust/scholarship funds for the benefit of the Grafton County 4-H Program and its youth members."
FUNDS
Funds raised by the Association are utilized to enhance 4-H programing throughout the county, as well as provide scholarships for youth and leaders to attend events, trainings, and trips.
OFFICERS
- President - Ginny Flynn, Bob-O-Links / Little Oxbow 4-H Club - (elected in November 2024 to a four-year term)
- Vice President - Justine Huntington, Independent 4-H Volunteer - (elected in January 2023 to a two-year term)
- Secretary - Rachel Page, Independent 4-H Volunteer - (elected in November 2024 to a four-year term)
- Treasurer - Katy Blaine, Friendly Fences 4-H Club - (elected in January 2023 to a two-year term)
MEETINGS
The Grafton County 4-H Leaders' Association meets at least four times a year. Contact the Grafton County 4-H office to find out when the next scheduled meeting will be held.