North Dakota State University Extension Service

4-H club meetings focus on business, educational, social, and service activities. At club meetings, 4-H members usually do four kinds of things: project work, business meeting, recreation or social activities, and special-interest programs. Sometimes, after a short business meeting, members work on their projects or have an educational activity, then play a game or two. Other times, the meeting will be devoted entirely to one thing, such as electing officers and planning the club program for the year, or everyone may be building a birdhouse, or the club may visit a local historic site, or the group may plant flowers at a local public building. Most clubs do a community service project each year.

What is a club meeting like?

The 4-H meeting is balanced between business, educational program and recreation. 4-H meetings normally do not last over one and one-half hours, with the time fairly equally divided among the three parts.

Business Meeting

The business portion of the meeting should be short and snappy. It should be a small democracy in action. The kids should be the ones running the meeting, not the leaders. The leaders should offer guidance but strive to have the members learn how to lead themselves.

Recreation & Refreshments at the Club Meeting
The recreation portion of the meeting is a fun time involving all members. Recreation may include challenges, group singing, relays, guessing games, table games, or other fun activities.

Many clubs in the county serve refreshments at meetings, although they are not essential. Most often, different members host each meeting. The learning experience for the members who select, prepare and serve the refreshments is the prime concern. Club members should learn how to select simple, nutritious and inexpensive refreshments. Parents can and should help by giving suggestions for guidance.

What is the educational program?
This part of the program is designed to help members learn more about the subjects of general interest in the entire 4-H program. 4-H teaching is unique - it is learning by doing. Good 4-H teaching employs seeing, hearing, and doing. Generally, the educational program will include talks and demonstrations by the 4-H members. Outside speakers may present programs for 4-H meetings.

Most clubs meet between 8-12 times per year. Most clubs meet monthly but can meet more often if they wish. Clubs are free to establish their own schedule based on what works best for their membership.

Demonstrations are show and tell type presentations where the 4-H member shares some of the fun things they have learned in their projects. Actual articles are used to show the steps necessary for a finished product. Illustrated talks differ from demonstrations in that they tell how rather than show how. Charts, models, and other visuals are important for illustrated talks.

A new 4-H year begins September 1 of each year. Community clubs organize around this time and prior to May 1st. If members wish to show a project at the county fair, they must enroll by May 1st. Showing at the county fair is an optional activity. Kids can join 4-H at any time of the year.

4-H membership is open to all youth ages 5 – 18 based on their age as of September 1 of each year.

Cass County 4-H has a yearly family fee of $10.00. Each individual 4-H club may set their own club dues. Member project manuals cost $2.00 - $4.00 each.

This depends on the age of the members, the places they have to meet, and the leadership available. The ideal club is big enough to have fun together, but small enough for everyone to feel part of the group. The average 4-H club is 10 to 20 members.

This depends on their need for money. If a club wants money for some activities, it usually charges dues or has fundraising activities.

The Organizational leader organizes meeting location, enrollment, club programming, and serves as the club’s contact with the 4-H Extension Agent. The project leader provides direction and support for members’ project work. The activity leader coordinates club-wide activities outside of the project area.