Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Youth between the ages of 5 and 18 are eligible and encouraged to participate in 4-H. The 4-H year begins on September 1, 2012. Visit the Alachua County 4-H website or click here to fill out an enrollment form.

Eligible participants can join a 4-H club or sign up as an individual 4-H member. Most clubs meet on a monthly basis, although some meet more often. Florida's four 4-H camps host special programs throughout the year as well as summer camping.

Examples of 4-H projects:

·         public speaking

·         horses

·         computers

·         rocketry

·         theater arts

·         fashion design & construction

·         environmental education

·         community service/service learning

·         shooting sports

·         animal science

Visit the Florida 4-H website for a complete list of projects.

4-H includes four age divisions including (as of September 1) Cloverbud Division (Ages 5-7), Junior Division (Ages 8-10), Intermediate Division (Ages 11-13), and Senior Division (Ages 14-18).

In order to provide this service to the youth, 4-H is always in need of club and project resource leaders.  Club Leaders advise and lead a diverse group of 4-H members (usually in one geographic area), enrolled in a variety of projects.  Co-Club Leaders aid and team with the club leader to advise and lead a group of 4-H members.  Project Resource Volunteers share skills, talents and special interests in a single project area. For example: clothing, dogs, rabbits, horses, bicycling, computers, wood-working, photography, etc.

For more information contact Matt Benge, 4-H Agent, at 352-955-2402 or mbenge@alachuacounty.us.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.

Persons with disabilities needing special accommodations should contact the Extension Office at least 10 working days prior to the event so that special consideration can be given to the request.