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Santa Clara County 4-H Club Program |
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Community 4-H clubs are organized with at least two adult volunteers and three or more youth members. In Santa Clara County, there are 13 community 4-H clubs ranging in size from five members with two volunteers to 150 members with 60 volunteers.
In 4-H, members are encouraged to set their own goals and make their own plans and decisions. Kids learn to:
- conduct their own business meetings
- provide leadership for younger members
- get involved in community service activities
They also participate in projects to develop knowledge and skills around a specific subject matter.
Volunteers are integral to the success of the 4-H program. Volunteers coach the members in activities and projects, guiding them as they mature, build self-confidence, and acquire leadership skills.
For information about a club near you, please call the county 4-H office secretary. A few clubs also have their own websites.
County-wide Special Interest Projects
- Shooting Sports
- Calero Ranch Horse Project
To join a 4-H club in Santa Clara County, please call the County 4-H Office. Ask for the 4-H secretary, who can provide contact names and numbers for Community Leaders at 4-H clubs near you. These Community Leaders, in turn, can provide information about meeting schedules and locations, describe the projects offered by the volunteer leaders in their club, and help you complete an enrollment packet.
Age Eligibility
Youth are eligible to participate in 4-H clubs as:
- Primary Members: five years old or in kindergarten as of January 1 of the program year.
- Regular members: nine years old or entering 4th grade by January 1 of the program year. (For home schooled kids, go by age.)
The Santa Clara County program year runs from September 1 through August 31. Youth remain eligible for membership until December 31 of the year in which they turn 19 years old.
Cost
In Santa Clara County the 4-H program enrollment fee $15.00 for youth and/or adults. This annual statewide program fee is used to train volunteers, support the development of new educational materials, and cover the cost of insurance.
Additional fees may be collected from members to cover the costs of project materials and 4-H events. 4-H members must receive fair value in goods and/or services for any money collected. To prevent misunderstandings, it is a good idea for a parent/guardian to stay informed about any 4-H work that requires funds from a member. Local clubs raise money in various ways, but 4-H policy forbids gambling, wagering, or raffles of any kind.
Insurance
4-H accident and illness insurance is mandatory and included in the cost of enrollment. The Community Leader in your club can tell you about this insurance and provide an informational leaflet. The leaflet explains what medical costs are covered in case of an accident or illness that occurs during any 4-H work or while traveling to or from official 4-H meetings and events.
Club |
Communities Served |
Meeting Location |
Meeting Time |
Gilroy |
Grange Hall |
4th Tues |
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Milpitas, East San Jose |
East Side Union High School Education Center |
1st Wed |
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South San Jose |
The Grange
8140 Monterey Highway
Coyote 95013 |
2nd Thur |
|
Saratoga, San Jose, Campbell |
Westhope Church |
3rd Wed |
|
San Jose |
Prusch Park Mtg Hall |
2nd Mon |
|
Homesteaders |
Santa Clara, San Jose |
Pomeroy School (cafeteria) |
2nd Wed |
| Oakwood | Morgan Hill | Oakwood School 105 John Wilson Way Morgan Hill 95037 |
2nd Mon, except 3rd Mon in Oct 6:30 pm |
Los Gatos, Campbell |
Never Never Land |
1st Mon |
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Pacheco Pass |
San Martin, Morgan Hill |
San Martin Lions Club |
2nd Thurs |
San Jose |
Noble Elementary School |
1st Mon |
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Cupertino, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose, Campbell |
Monta Vista Recreation Center |
2nd Thurs |
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San Martin |
San Martin, Morgan Hill |
San Martin Lions Club |
1st Thurs |
Los Altos |
Westwind 4-H Riding for the Handicapped |
3rd Tues |
How to Volunteer
"When adults take time to help young people through 4-H, they exert an enormous, positive influence on the lives of youth."
~ Retired General Colin Powell
The 4-H program depends on adult volunteers -- often the parents/guardians of members -- willing to invest their time, energy, and resources to lead projects and provide educational experiences for youth in their community. Kids and adults spend time together learning new skills, developing hidden talents, making new friends, and having fun. One of the best things 4-H offers is an opportunity to enjoy learning with family and friends. For more information about volunteering with 4-H in Santa Clara County, please call the 4-H secretary at the County 4-H Office
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer leaders work with small groups of kids to carry out experiential learning ("learning-by-doing") activities. These activities enable youth to develop life skills, build competencies, explore career options, contribute to their communities, and prepare them for a positive and successful place in society. At the club level, adult volunteers may take on the following positions (download Adobe Acrobat Reader free at http://www.adobe.com to view and print these PDF files):
- Community Leader or Assistant Community Leader
- Project Leader or Assistant Project Leader
- Coordinator or Event Coordinator
There are also volunteer opportunities at the county level where your time and talents would be greatly appreciated.
Volunteer leaders must be at least 18 years old, although additional age restrictions may apply for certain roles and responsibilities. (For example, event chaperones must be at least 25 years old.) In order to provide a safe environment for kids, all prospective 4-H volunteers are required to:
- Complete an Adult Enrollment Application which includes a code of conduct and confidential self-disclosure statements;
- Submit to and receive criminal record clearance from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) through Live Scan electronic fingerprinting; and
- Undergo orientation offered by the county 4-H program staff.
Following DOJ clearance, completion of orientation, and payment of a nominal fee, volunteers are appointed for a one year term, renewable annually.
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Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
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