To join a 4-H club in San Diego County, please call the County 4-H Office at (858) 694-2861. You will be provided with contact names and numbers for Community Club Leaders of a 4-H club near you. These Community Club Leaders, can provide information about meeting schedules and locations, describe the projects offered in their club, and help you with online enrollment.
Age Eligibility
Youth are eligible to participate in 4-H clubs as primary members if they are five years old or in kindergarten as of January 1 of the program year. Youth enroll as regular members once they are nine years old or entering 4th grade by January 1 of the program year. (For home schooled kids, go by age.) The San Diego County program year runs from September 1st through August 31st. Youth remain eligible for membership until December 31 of the year in which they turn 19 years old.
Cost
There is a minimal insurance fee for the 4-H program. In San Diego County, it is $20.00 for youth and $5.00 for adult leaders/volunteers. This annual statewide insurance fee is utilized to cover the cost of insurance so that 4-H can train volunteers, support the development of new educational materials, and cover any accidents that occur during 4-H activities.
It is rare that a group or club can do anything without funds. Money may be collected from members to cover the costs of project materials and 4-H events. 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, however 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.