4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. Marion County 4-H,  the youth-development branch of the UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service, is part of the oldest and largest youth organizations in America!

Marion County is proud to have one of the best traditional 4-H programs in the nation! The backbone of our 4-H program are the 4-H clubs, which are all run by outstanding volunteers. A 4-H club consists of five youth, ages 5-18, from at least two different families. Marion County 4-H offers several club opportunities including special interest clubs (for example steer and horses specific clubs) in-school clubs, and general community clubs.

Marion County 4-H provides hands-on, learn by doing, educational experience for youth ages 5-18.  Our 4-H volunteers, in a combined effort with our paid faculty and staff, strive for excellence in youth development!   In addition to the multitude of traditional 4-H projects offered like raising a hog or steer, gardening, participating on judging teams and family and consumer science activities, we also offer projects in bicycle safety, citizenship, rocketry, wood working, and small engines (to name a very few).  The goal of all 4-H projects, from pigs to painting, is the development of life skills.  No matter what your interest  or background..4-H is for you!  For more information about 4-H, visit the Florida 4-H site.  To join a club near you, or for more information about the Marion County 4-H program, please contact the Marion County Extension service.

4-H Age Divisions:

• Ages 5-7 - Cloverbud Division Children under 8 years of age are ineligible to participate in competitive activities at any level,  however 5-7 year olds may participate in a number of ways. Please contact the Marion County 4-H office to learn how your little one can become involved!

   

• Ages 8-10 - Junior Division Any 4-Her 8-10 years old as of September 1 of the current 4-H program year is considered a junior. Only junior, intermediate and senior 4-H'ers can participate in competitive events or large animal projects.

 

• Ages 11-13 - Intermediate Division Any 4-Her 11-13 years old as of September 1 will be considered an intermediate.
• Ages 14-18 - Senior Division Any 4-Her 14-18 years old as of September 1 will be considered a senior. Senior level 4-H participation in Florida begins at age 14, but the 4-Her must not have passed their 19th birthday or graduated from high school.