The California 4-H program offers a wide variety of projects -- so there's something fun for everyone! The project is where learning-by-doing takes place, as kids find things to learn, to do, to make, and to explore. Each year 4-H members enroll in at least one project. A project can last from eight weeks to year-round, depending on how the leader structures the project or how involved a member becomes. Some projects meet once a week; others meet once or twice a month. The purpose of these meetings is to guide the members in gaining the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and habits needed to complete their work successfully. Project manuals and record book forms are available to 4-H members free-of-charge, but there may be additional costs to participate in some projects (this is definitely the case for most animal science projects).
Several of these projects will be offered at a club near you, but it really depends upon whether an adult volunteer is available to lead them:
Animal Science Projects
- Avian Embryology
- Bee Keeping
- Cattle (Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, and Veal Calves)
- Cavies (Guinea Pigs)
- Dog Care & Training
- Entomology
- Exotic Birds
- Goats (Angora Goats, Dairy Goats, Market Goats, and Pygmy Goats)
- Horses & Ponies
- Livestock Judging
- Llamas
- Pets & Small Animals
- Poultry & Game Birds
- Rabbits
- Service Animals (Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs)
- Sheep
- Swine (Pigs)
- Therapeutic Animals
- Veterinary Science
Engineering Projects
- Aerospace, Rocketry & Aviation
- Automotive Science
- ATV Safety
- Bicycles
- Computer Science
- Electricity & Electronics
- General Engineering
- Small Engines
- Tractors & Farm Machinery
- Welding & Metal Work
- Woodworking
Family & Consumer Science Projects
- Child Development & Care
- Clothing & Textiles
- Consumer Education
- Fashion Revue (Modeling)
- Foods & Nutrition (Cooking, Baking, etc.)
- Food Preservation (Canning, Food Dehydration, etc.)
- Home & Personal Management
- Home Arts & Furnishings
- Parenting & Childhood Education
Health & Leisure Projects
- Cake Decorating
- Camping & Outdoor Adventure
- Candy Making
- Clownology
- Creative Arts, Crafts & Hobbies
- Crocheting
- Cultural Arts & Family Heritage
- Flower Arranging
- Graphic Arts
- Health & Physical Fitness
- Individual & Group Sports
- Lapidary
- Leathercraft
- Magic
- Needlepoint
- Photography
- Quilting
- Recreation
- Shooting Sports & Gun Safety
- Wool & Spinning
Plant Science Projects
- Field Crops & Management
- Forestry & Christmas Trees
- Fruits, Nuts & Berries
- Indoor & Mini Gardens
- Ornamental Horticulture
- Vegetable Gardens & Crops
Resource Science Projects
- Climatology
- Energy Management
- Marine Biology
- Oceanography
- Soil & Water Conservation
- Wildlife
Social Science Projects
- Career Exploration
- Citizenship
- Communications
- Community Pride
- Economics & Marketing
- Leadership
Fire Recovery Photo-Monitoring Project
The October 2003 wildfires burned throughout much of San Diego County, leaving many homes partially or completely burned. The wildfires also burned a significant portion of valuable open space that provides recreation for humans and wildlife habitat for a number of important native species. In total, 376,237 acres burned San Diego County. Wildfire is a natural part of the ecology of the county. Accepting wildfire as a normal occurrence and planning for future wildfires may alleviate damage inflicted to the environment.
The purpose of this project is to engage youth in fire ecology, environmental research skills, and geospatial technologies. Research on fire-related issues helps to meet the needs of the fire management community as well as adding to knowledge about the role of fire in the landscape. Click the link below to see the work done on this project.
Fire Recovery Photo-Monitoring Project
Events
San Diego County 4-H has all sorts of events all year round. Listed are a few of the annual events that occur every year. Please check out the 4-H Calendar for the latest information on these events. Many of these events allow our members to showcase their hard work and be recognized for it.
Area Events
Field Days - Members in each Area come together to learn, practice and demonstrate skills in different project areas.
Judging Days - A day for developing knowledge and understanding of qualities and standards. At a judging event, members learn to make observations, comparisons, decisions, and give reasons.
Presentation Days - Day for members to give prepared talk or planned communication activity to get feedback on ways to improved and prepare for County Presentation Day.
County Events
County Leaders Council - 4-H approved Volunteers and Teen Leaders are members of this group. The group raises and distributes funds for 4-H scholarships and events. Sets local 4-H Policies and is responsible for the planning, implementation and evaluation of county 4-H events.
Junior Leadership Camp - At this 4-H camp Junior Leaders learn new skills and are lead through activities by Teen Leaders.
Super Saturday - An event where all clubs and 4-H groups can show what they are doing in 4-H. Learning workshops are also held for youth and adults.
Officer Training Day - Held annually, in October of each year. Day in which new club Officers learn of the resources available and requirements for completion of their role.
Presentation Day - A very important 4-H event. Presentation Day is a day when 4-H members give a prepared talk or other form of planned communication activity in front of a small group. The members who participate are evaluated on how well they give their presentation and are awarded ribbons based on their scores. Demonstration judges give comments for improvement and a lot of encouragement for future presentations.
Home Arts Day - All non-livestock members are invited to participate. Activities include Fashion Revue, Clothing Construction judging, Favorite Food Show, Home arts Judging and a Talent Show.
State Events
State Leadership Conference - Held on a University of California campus for teens to learn and practice different leadership, citizenship and life skills with
others from around the state.
Fairs and Shows
There are currently three fairs held in San Diego County at which 4-H members can exhibit their projects. Exhibiting at these fairs is a privilege and not a right of 4-H Members. Members must meet their project requirement to be eligible to exhibit at these fairs. Members and adults need to also learn the rules and regulations of each fair.
The fairs include:
- The East County Junior Fair in Lakeside
- San Diego County Fair in Del Mar
- Ramona Junior Fair in Ramona
State leadership Conference 2007
