frequently asked questions
Answers to those burning questions!
Isn't 4-H for farmers?
While the architecture of 4-H began with helping future farmers learn leadership skills, 4-H has evolved into so much more. In addition to the livestock programs, there are programs in STEM, fashion, cooking, photography, and shooting sports - just to name a few.
Why Join 4-H?
Kids build life skills by leading hands-on projects in areas like science, health, agriculture and, civic engagement – helping them to grow confidence, independence, resilience, and compassion. Adult mentors provide a positive environment where they learn by doing.
What is a 4-H project?
A 4-H project is a group of activities/experiences related to a particular topic/animal that you undertake in a particular 4-H club. If you are in a cow club the cow that you are caring for and showing is your project. If you are in shooting sports the shooting discipline you are competing in is your project. If you are in a photography club a topic such as digital photography may be your project.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment will vary depending on the club you join and the project (topic you choose e.g. goats, photography, shooting). Many of our clubs meet monthly for 1-2 hours. Other clubs meet 6 times a year and have longer meetings. In addition to official 4-H meetings, many of our clubs have community service requirements, field trips, Dutchess County Fair obligations, and competitions/shows in their project areas.
My child would love to be a part of a livestock club but we don't have livestock.
Even without your own livestock there are 4-H opportunities! Several clubs in various species offer sponsorship opportunities. This means that the club may have ties to farm that will allow 4-H members to work with and show their animals in exchange for a service (in most cases this service is daily or weekly barn chores and/or assistance with showing in various competitions throughout the year.)
When is the best time to join?
4-H has open enrollment, but does have a calendar year that begins on October 1. More information on joining 4-H can be found on the how to join section of this website.
How much does it cost?
Registration for Dutchess County 4-H costs $35.00 per child. There are additional fees for fair participation as well as club activities and events.
For those facing financial hardship please contact the 4-H office to see what scholarships are available.
Costs vary according to expenses related to the 4-H projects youth choose to participate in. Examples include:
While the architecture of 4-H began with helping future farmers learn leadership skills, 4-H has evolved into so much more. In addition to the livestock programs, there are programs in STEM, fashion, cooking, photography, and shooting sports - just to name a few.
Why Join 4-H?
Kids build life skills by leading hands-on projects in areas like science, health, agriculture and, civic engagement – helping them to grow confidence, independence, resilience, and compassion. Adult mentors provide a positive environment where they learn by doing.
What is a 4-H project?
A 4-H project is a group of activities/experiences related to a particular topic/animal that you undertake in a particular 4-H club. If you are in a cow club the cow that you are caring for and showing is your project. If you are in shooting sports the shooting discipline you are competing in is your project. If you are in a photography club a topic such as digital photography may be your project.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment will vary depending on the club you join and the project (topic you choose e.g. goats, photography, shooting). Many of our clubs meet monthly for 1-2 hours. Other clubs meet 6 times a year and have longer meetings. In addition to official 4-H meetings, many of our clubs have community service requirements, field trips, Dutchess County Fair obligations, and competitions/shows in their project areas.
My child would love to be a part of a livestock club but we don't have livestock.
Even without your own livestock there are 4-H opportunities! Several clubs in various species offer sponsorship opportunities. This means that the club may have ties to farm that will allow 4-H members to work with and show their animals in exchange for a service (in most cases this service is daily or weekly barn chores and/or assistance with showing in various competitions throughout the year.)
When is the best time to join?
4-H has open enrollment, but does have a calendar year that begins on October 1. More information on joining 4-H can be found on the how to join section of this website.
How much does it cost?
Registration for Dutchess County 4-H costs $35.00 per child. There are additional fees for fair participation as well as club activities and events.
For those facing financial hardship please contact the 4-H office to see what scholarships are available.
Costs vary according to expenses related to the 4-H projects youth choose to participate in. Examples include:
- Club dues for meeting expenses
- Keeping animals
- Project materials
- Appropriate clothing