Rockingham 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 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, your children can work on projects in areas of their interest, expand their level of understanding, and build relationships that will last a lifetime.
Interested in Rockingham County 4-H? Connect with us
Hello, and welcome to Rockingham County 4-H! We are so glad you’re here. Being here is the first step on a path to giving the children in your life extraordinary opportunities for growth.
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 Rockingham County 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 and afterschool programs, county-wide events, and SPINs (short-term programs designed around a SPecific 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, your children can work on projects in areas of their interest, expand their 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 Volunteers are some of the best people in the world. 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 to them, and 4-H supports and empowers them to make the maximum impact possible. If you are someone like this then I want you to come on-board here in Rockingham County. There are many ways to volunteer and support our program.
Visit our list of community Clubs and afterschool programs below, check out our events and activities, or connect with us to learn more about how you can get started in 4-H.
To stay in the loop on upcoming programs and opportunities, sign up for our monthly newsletter.
We hope you’ll join us in making the best better!
Mike Harris
4-H Program Manager, Rockingham County
Upcoming Events
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October 7th, 2023 to October 9th, 2023
Sandwich Fair Dates: October 7-9, 2023
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October 7th, 2023
10:00am - 1:00pm, Come join us for a presentation on the history of Brookdale Farm and the various fruits and vegetables grown on the farm. Learn about the process of growing
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October 21st, 2023
10:00am - 1:00pm, The Teen Leadership Retreat is an annual event for t(w)eens ages 12-18 in New Hampshire. It is an overnight at Camp Sentinel in Tuftonborough NH with a focus on
How do I get involved in Rockingham County 4-H?
There are many opportunities to participate in 4-H in Rockingham 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 necessarily 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. Rockingham County 4-H is infamous at Deerfield Fair every year. County-wide SPINs are "SPecial INterest" courses that are implemented like field trips 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 Rockingham 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.
Rockingham County 4-H Clubs & Afterschool Programs
Interested in joining a 4-H Club in Rockingham County? Connect with us to get started.
Brentwood Area
The focus of our club is on horses with a particular emphasis on rescue. Our 4-H’ers learn about horse care, health, and safety. We focus on the responsibilities of horse ownership throughout a lifetime, teaching the kids about the importance of resilience, persistence, and patience. We emphasize and encourage these qualities through practical experience with the rescued horses at our barn, fun games, and crafts. Horses are great teachers, and their sensitivity and empathy lead the way for our kids!
- Meetings: Every other Sunday
- Ages: 8-18
- Club Facebook Group
Candia Area
The Candia Clovers are a nice mix of Cloverbuds (ages 5-7) and youth members (ages 8+) with varying interests. The animal projects currently being explored are rabbit, sheep, goat, and poultry. From woodworking to sewing, we try and give 4-H’ers a rounded experience with guest speakers and field trips throughout the year.
- Meetings: Twice a month on the first and third Wednesdays
- Ages: 5-18
Chester Area
Our Shooting Sports club has been operating for nearly 20 years, utilizing many dedicated and highly trained volunteers. Our core concepts stress safety, ethical development, personal responsibility, and life-time recreational skills. We currently offer Rifle, Pistol, and Archery disciplines, after youth complete a safety briefing with our trained volunteers. During the season we do a youth pin shoot and are also invited to events at neighboring 4-H Shooting Sports clubs.
- Meetings: Every other week on Saturday mornings
- Ages: 8-18
- Club Facebook Group
- Website
Kingston/Danville Area
We are a 4-H dog club – kids growing into leaders, dogs growing into respectable canine citizens, and pairs growing into partners! We train our canine partners in obedience, showmanship, and dog knowledge and then present these skills at NH county fairs. We even get the chance to do agility and other fun doggie activities!
- Meetings: Twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays
- Ages: 8-18
- Club Facebook Page
Deerfield Area
We are a 4-H Club for Cloverbuds (4-H'ers ages 5-7) with a focus on barnyard animals and farming related activities.
- Meetings: Twice a month
- Ages: 5-7
- Club Facebook Page
Deerfield Area
Our club’s projects range from sewing, crafts, and foods to community service, science, and gardening. We’ve also done veterinary science and woodworking. Additional projects can be done based on members’ interest and finding a resource person to teach or lead the experience. We are currently focusing on developing basic sewing skills and advancing your skill level as you select a special project to create, as well as having fun making crafts and working together on community service projects.
- Meetings: Weekly on Mondays after school
- Ages: 5-18
Derry Area
Our club focuses on horses and horsemanship and is open to boys and girls who have a desire to learn and improve their skills. We participate in many educational projects, community service projects, and take fun field trips each year.
- Meetings: Weekly on Wednesday evenings
- Ages: 8-18
- Club Facebook Page
Derry Area
We are a fun 4-H horse club focused on goal development and hands-on learning. We encourage and support our members through annual individual and group goal development based on their equine and agricultural interests. We assist in helping each member reach their goals, explore new opportunities while building their confidence, and develop positive relationships within their community.
- Meetings: Twice a month on the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Saturday
- Ages: 8-18
- Club Facebook Page
Epping Area
Dr. Seuss says, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?", and we completely agree! We are a small 4-H horse club*, and we have members who have their own horses, some that ride in lesson programs, and some that just love horses and want to learn more about them. Our club activities include horse knowledge, horse shows, crafts, fairs, and any other fun ideas we come up with.
*Our club is currently at capacity for our meeting spaces, and we are not taking new members at this time.
- Meetings: Twice a month of the 2nd and 4th Mondays
- Ages: 8-18
Kensington/Hampton Area
Our club was established in 2013 with a focus on horses. While most members currently ride, formerly rode, or have familiarity with horses, it is not a requirement to join. Our meetings include an activity/guest instructor to deepen our understanding of horse anatomy, tack, equine health, and other topics related to horses. In addition, our club may fundraise to support club activities or to donate, perform improvement projects such as barn maintenance, or make items to donate to those in need.
- Meetings: Once a month
- Ages: 8-18
Londonderry Area
We are a fun 4-H horse club that focuses on hands-on learning to help members achieve their goals. Members can own their own horse, lease a horse, or take riding lessons; or members can just want to learn more about horses. We participate in many fun educational projects, community service projects and field trips. Our club activities include horse knowledge, horse shows, crafts, and any other fun ideas we come up with.
- Meetings: Once a month on Sundays
- Ages: 8-18
Windham/Greater Derry Area
We are a multi-project 4-H club focused on meeting the unique needs of home schooled and alternatively educated children. This includes outdoor activities, animal husbandry, STEAM activities, and encouragement of community service. There is a private Facebook group available for parents who would like to know more. Please join with us in getting kids outside and engaged in their communities and their world!
- Meetings: Once a month on the 2nd Wednesday, plus a yearly kickoff meeting and additional summer activities
- Ages: 5-18
Candia Area
Wingedspur Farm is excited to welcome back Horsin’ Around 4-H. Interested in horses? Come by and check out a meeting run by members, for members. Learn the basics or advance your knowledge and meet horse loving friends!
- Meetings: Twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays
- Ages: 8-18
East Kingston Area
We are a club with eclectic, member-driven interests and activities. We especially like to be outdoors, explore our environment and how to preserve it, and play around with science, engineering, and arts and crafts projects. We are a small group now, with members mainly in the 10-14-year-old range, but welcome members younger and older.
- Meetings: Once a month on the 3rd Sunday, plus additional occasional trips and activities
- Ages: 8-18
Raymond
LEAP is a 21CCLC grant-funded afterschool program in Raymond, NH. We have been partners with 4-H since 2006, seeing our program grow to what it is today. Our sites are located at Lamprey River Elementary School, serving K-3, and Iber Holmes Gove Middle School, serving 4-8. We meet every day of the school year after school when the bell rings for 3 hours. Services we provide include homework support, enrichment clubs, and a safe environment for students to grow socially.
- Grades: K-8
- LEAP website (follow the links to the school you are interested in)
Chester Area
New Club starting October 2022! We are an agriculture-based Club focused on the where, how, and what of all things farming, whether fruits, vegetables, or animals. Many of our members are homeschooling families, and our meetings and outings are based on the seasons.
- Meetings: TBD
- Ages: 5-18
- Club Facebook Group
Raymond Area
Silver Saddles learns about all things horses. Diane Post has been a 4-H leader for many years and shares her wealth of knowledge with her 4-H’ers. Members learn about horse health and management, breeds, colors, riding disciplines, tack and much more. Every week, members do a horse-related activity and then a fun project. Diane’s 4-H group has participated annually in the Deerfield Fair, and she has sent her 4-H’ers to the annual hippology and quiz bowl competitions held by 4-H. She is a natural horsewoman and eagerly shares her years of experience raising and training horses with future horsemen and horsewomen.
- Meetings: Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Ages: 8-18
Greenland Area
We are an independent working club of 4-H’ers that focus on all aspects of caring for dairy cattle. Members are geared toward raising, caring for, and showing of their project animals at various fairs and events. We focus on learning by doing through hands-on work with the animals – learning to fit or groom animals for show and what the judges are looking for in the show ring, from both the animal and the 4-H’er.
- Meetings: Once a month, plus activities like Judging and Quiz Bowl
- Ages: 8-18
Nottingham Area
We hoppily accept anyone interested in rabbits and/or cavies (guinea pigs)! Youth in our club may have a pet, mixed breed, may not know their breed, or have a purebred rabbit or cavy. Our meetings consist of a business meeting, rabbit or cavy learning activity, and a craft. We learn rabbit anatomy, body and fur types, rabbit health, nutrition, basic and advanced bunny care, handling your rascally rabbit, breed ID, showmanship, Rabbit Hopping Competitions, and we hold a rabbit show and pizza party every year.
- Meetings: Once a month on Saturday mornings
- Ages: 8-18
County-wide
Independent Members can cover any independent 4-H project area.
County-wide
We are a group of teen leaders who meet to develop leadership skills and collaborate on community improvement projects. This group is perfect for the teen in any family. It is youth-led and adult-supported to enhance their voice, their impact in their community, and develop the skills and confidence to be agents of positive change. We attend social events, workshops, and teen retreats, and participate in key county 4-H events.
- Meetings: Once a month on Tuesday evenings
- Ages: 12-18
- Learn more about the YLT
- YLT Facebook Page
Brentwood/Kensington Area
We are a 4-H club focused on poultry and community service. We enjoy helping our members learn about poultry, prepare for showing their poultry projects at the Stratham Summerfest each year, as well as participating in community service projects and other leadership activities.
- Meetings: Once a month (email for schedule)
- Ages: 8-18
Northwood Area
New Club starting October 2022! Our Club focuses on all aspects of homesteading and being self-sufficient. We learn about growing our own gardens (starting seeds, when to start them, when to plant, different types of gardens, how to manage pests, why we need to water), how to preserve our harvest, how to make butter, soap, sewing, cooking, crafts, and much more!
- Meetings: Once a month October to June
- Ages: 5-18
Sandown Area
Our club focuses mostly on the 4-H Horse Program with riders and non-riders. We have rescued, rehabilitated, and retrained horses from auction, and we participate in the county 4-H circuit horse shows. Our latest rescue, Wiley, came from the auction. We learned how to wrap his leg wounds, and he taught us how to ride a gaited horse! When we are not focused on our rescue horse, we work on dog obedience or craft projects.
- Meetings: Twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Mondays
- Ages: 8-18
Windham/Pelham Area
We do seasonal projects covering a variety of topics, such as fishing, exercise, nutrition, farming, etc. We had a plentiful summer with weekly themes and activities and reading and STEAM competitions with end of summer prizes. We have currently limited our in-person gatherings and will be starting online projects such as Dog Training.
- Meetings: TBA
- Ages: 5-18
Windham Area
The Windham Windup, Team 3467, hails from Windham High School in Windham, NH. Our mission is to cultivate interest, understanding, and skills in the fields of engineering, technology, and robotics. We seek to encourage creative thought, perseverance in the face of obstacles, cooperation, and compromise. We seek to develop life skills in students through team membership, community outreach, public speaking, critical thinking, and unique experiences.
- Meetings: Weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Ages: 12-18
- Club Website
Your Rockingham County 4-H Team
Reach out to your local County 4-H team to get started on your 4-H journey!
Rockingham County 4-H Horse Program
The Rockingham County Horse Leaders Association (RCHLA) supports Rockingham County 4-H horse clubs and events. The RCHLA coordinates all horse programs and events for Rockingham County, and through their support, 4-H horse members can participate in many activities and events throughout the year, including workshops, circuit shows, the County Horse Show, and more.
Rockingham County 4-H in Action
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Every year the University of New Hampshire hosts a 4-H activities day for teens that includes leadership activities.
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Rockingham County 4-H has an active horse program, and 4-H horse project members have the opportunity to participate in county and state-level horse shows each year.
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Rockingham County 4-Hers enjoy participating in STEaMPunk challenge activities through our STEM & Makers program.
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4-H clubs and programs would not be possible without our dedicated group of volunteers.
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4-H hosted a "Meet Your Local Legislators" event for teens.
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Rockingham 4-H club members participate in the Sea Perch Challenge.
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Rockingham 4-H teens have the opportunity to practice Citizenship.
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Strafford County 4-Hers have the opportunity to present their projects at 4-H Presents.
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Rockingham County 4-H graduates can receive college scholarships from the Rockingham County 4-H Foundation.
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The annual 4-H Dog Show at Deerfield Fair
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Rockingham County 4-Hers have the opportunity to demonstrate their cooking skills at the annual Favorite Foods Festival.
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4-H members showing their animals at Stratham Fair.
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4-Her's show off their felt "paintings" made at a Craftapalooza event.
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4-Her's gather every year to sing carols at the Rockingham County Nursing Home.
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Rockingham County 4-Her Leah Gonthier placed first in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Quiz Bowl in 2020.
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4-Hers can take part in a number of Wildside challenges throughout the year, such as the Winter Hiking Challenge.
How can I support Rockingham County 4-H?
There are countless ways to support Rockingham County 4-H, and no way too small. Thank you for considering supporting the important work we are doing in any of these ways.
To support our programs by donating to our Foundation, you can make checks payable to the "Rockingham County 4-H Foundation" and send to Rockingham County 4-H, 113A North Road, Brentwood, NH, 03833. We hope to have a way to accept recurring online payments soon. All donations received go directly to fund Rockingham County 4-H programs and scholarships.
We are always seeking volunteers to fill a number of different roles. If any of these roles is right for you, email Rockingham.4H@unh.edu.
Youth Leadership Team Advisors
This role will facilitate a program where the teens in the county learn more about their identity though community improvement projects, social experiences, retreats, planning events, and attending workshops about leadership concepts. Time commitment: 2-3 hours per week.
SPIN Facilitators
We are seeking volunteers with interest and experience in special project areas (examples: hydroponics, maple sugaring, livestock, etc.).
Club/Project Leaders
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.
Pathway Committee Members
These volunteers would meet 4-6 times a year to help plan county-wide programs in either Agricultural Science, Healthy Living, or STEM pathway areas. These Volunteers get “first dibs” on paid trainings, workshops, and certifications that are related to the pathway they are planning for.
Social Media Manager
We have a Facebook page and Instagram account and are looking for a volunteer that has experience using these social media platforms and would be willing to meet virtually throughout the week. Tasks would include making posts, keeping up engagement with families, and tracking trends. Time commitment: 3-4 hours a week.
Sewing machine maintenance and repair
We have a dozen sewing machines that need to be worked on in the county office.
Fundraising Collaborator
We are looking for volunteers to collaborate on county-wide fundraisers.
Video Producer
We are looking for a volunteer to help us produce and edit videos so we can take our messaging to the next level as a more effective way to inform our audience about all the opportunities we are offering.
If you would like to donate any of these supplies, email Rockingham.4H@unh.edu. For unique delivery circumstances, we can work out logistics with you.
- Livestock Trailer
- Arts and Crafts Supplies
- Crayons
- Colored Pencils
- Tape
- Glue
- Colored Paper
Rockingham County 4-H Articles
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?
4-H Online is our official enrollment database. Registering in 4-H Online 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 Enrollment Guide for NH Families.
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.
