Program Overview

Introduction to the 4-H Program

The 4-H program in San Juan County is a comprehensive youth development initiative that offers a wide range of projects and activities for young people. With over 450 members, it is one of the largest 4-H programs in the state of New Mexico.

Program Overview

The 4-H program is designed to teach youth valuable skills in areas such as leadership, citizenship, personal growth, and development. Members can participate in various projects, including animal science, engineering, plant science, natural science, cultural education, home economics, food and nutrition, consumer education, and home management, as well as the creative arts.

4-H Youth and Development

The program provides a supportive environment that enables youth to reach their full potential. The local county program works to develop life skills, helping young people become self-directed and productive citizens. Adult volunteers play a crucial role in empowering youth and multiplying the efforts of the local County Extension staff.

Enrollment and Participation

Youth between the ages of 8 and 18 can enroll in the 4-H program. The enrollment process is completed through the local Extension office, and families are encouraged to attend a few 4-H club meetings before deciding on a club to join. Once a family has selected a club, they can enroll in 4-H and complete the required documents.

Eligibility

• Youth must be between the ages of 8 (and in the 3rd grade) and 18 (before January 1st of the 4-H year) to enroll.
• Youth who are 5 and in kindergarten may enroll as non-competitive Cloverbud members.

Volunteer Leaders

The 4-H program relies on volunteer leaders who are required to complete a Disclosure and Consent Form, as well as the Volunteer Application, and return these forms to the San Juan County Extension Office, along with a $10.00 processing fee.

Important Dates

• Enrollment for new and returning members, leaders, and volunteers opens on October 8, 2025.
• Re-enrollment for returning members ends on November 14, 2025.
• San Juan County 4-H enrollment closes on March 31, 2026.
• May 1, 2026, is the last day to add or drop projects.

Project Enrollment

Members can enroll in various projects, and while they may add projects until May, it is recommended that they enroll in all projects of interest to receive updated information regarding practices, events, and competitions.

Resources and Forms

The program provides various resources and forms, including:

• 4-H Record Book Award Area Form
• How to Write a 4-H Story
• Project Book Story Frames
• 4-H Record Books
• Self-Determined Record Sheet
• San Juan County 4-H Report Form
• Putting Your SJC 4-H Record Book Together
• General Record Sheet
• 4-H Livestock Record Sheet
• Foods Project Record Sheet
• Project Record Tip Sheet

Events and Activities

The program offers various events and activities, including:

• 4-H School Registration
• Youth Get Away
• 4-H Council Meetings

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES)

The College of ACES is an engine for economic and community development in New Mexico, improving the lives of New Mexicans through research, academic programs, and extension. The college offers various programs and resources, including extension how-to publications, the NM 4-H program, and ACES alumni and friends.