Our Club
This club is a general 4-H club (meaning we are not specialized for cattle, or horses, etc.). Our Club is for regular 4-H members, ages 8 – 18. Our club focuses on projects, programs and community service projects chosen by the members. At the end of each year, the members plan out their goals for the next year. Examples of programs and activities this club learns about are food and cooking, crafts, gardening, history, pet care, nature studies, community service, leadership skills and public speaking. The monthly club meeting starts with a business meeting where the members go over the past and current business. We also have one or two demonstrations that the members present (approximately 5-7 minutes about a project that the member is working on). We normally have a short program on a subject of interest to the members. The meeting ends with a snack, which members take turns supplying.
Membership
A member is required to attend at least 8 of the 11 meetings in one calendar year (unless excused by the leader, including for college attendance) and take on at least 1 project a year to stay an active 4-H member. Normally, members complete about 2-4 projects per year. Annual dues are $30.00 per year per member. At times there may be other costs, such as a Record Book Cover and the cost of special events the club wants to participate in.
Projects
There are many different types of projects that a member can work on. Example of projects include computer, fine arts, flowers, science, photography, clothing, baking, woodworking, etc. A list of projects is found on the Howard County 4-H website. Any project that is officially selected by May 1st must have an entry in the 4-H section of the Howard County Fair in August. Fair guide books are distributed in mid to late May to help guide the member as he or she prepares to enter the fair. Project guide books, bought at the 4-H online Mall help to guide the member with their projects. Members also keep Record Books for their projects. Record Books are an important part of being a 4-H member. Record Books are due in mid-January to the Club leader for the previous year’s projects. They are judged at the county level, and top quality books may go on for judging for special awards and scholarships in all 3 age groups.
Leadership
The Patapsco Valley 4-H Club is a fun way for young people to learn responsibility, leadership and to explore topics that interest them. Members serve as club officers such as president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, reporter and historian. Meetings are run by members with the guidance of their adult club leader. Members also lead committees for community service, fund-raising, and other special events. Members parents, grandparents, etc. are welcome to become official 4-H volunteers.
Family Involvement
It has been our experience and understanding that behind successful 4-H'ers are family members who encourage, guide and support the 4-H'ers involvement. We hope you will become interested in our 4-H program by helping your child. 4-H can easily become a 4-H family activity. Please note that family members are encouraged to accompany 4-H'ers to meetings and activities