This page will help you get started in Sonoma 4-H.
WHAT IS SONOMA 4-H?
The Sonoma County 4-H program, established in 1926, helps youth, ages 5-19, reach their fullest potential as competent, confident individuals who contribute to and are connected with their communities.
In 4-H programs, youth serve in leadership roles where they set goals, develop plans, complete projects, and reflect on their experiences. Youth are encouraged to discover their passions, adopt a growth mindset, practice self-reflection and set goals. 4-H projects and programs are focused around civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM.
There are four ways youth can participate in 4-H Programs in Sonoma County. You can join one or more 4-H delivery modes:
4-H Community Clubs: 4-H Programs that offer projects around the community and meet once per month to focus on community building and leadership development
4-H Afterschool Clubs: 4-H Programs that meet at school sites and offer programming for families in that school district
4-H Overnight Camps: Summer camp programs that offer two different week-long residential camp programs. Overnight Camps are offered in June and July.
4-H Short-Term Programs: Six-hour programming offered throughout the 4-H Program Year (July- June). Short-Term programs could be weekly projects, day-camps, or one-day skill-building workshops.
HOW TO ENROLL IN 4-H?
STEP ONE
Find a club near you: List of 4-H Clubs by City
Spring/Summer 2024 Short-Term Program Catalog Coming Soon
STEP TWO
Each club has a list of projects they offer: Sonoma 4-H Project List
STEP THREE
Contact the 4-H Office who will connect you with the club leader and answer questions you may have regarding the 4-H Program
4-H Office Phone Number: 707-565-2621
4-H Program Coordinator: Shelley Ferina
4-H Community Education Specialist: Miguel Delgado
STEP FOUR
Complete your Zsuite Enrollment: Zsuite Enrollment Help Sheet
STEP FIVE
Attend a club meeting and meet the club members and leaders.
They will also help you pay for the program (Check or credit card)
Once you select your 4-H program. Enroll in Zsuite and pay the 4-H enrollment fee.
4-H Enrollment Instructions (Zsuite & Payment Information)
WHERE DOES 4-H TAKE PLACE?
4-H Programs take place in nearly every city in Sonoma County. Some 4-H Programs meet in homes, farms/ranches, and businesses. Other programs meet at schools, the 4-H in office Santa Rosa, and the Youth Ag and Leadership (YAL) Center in Rohnert Park.
There are no residency restrictions in Sonoma 4-H. For example, if you live in Rohnert Park, you can attend a club in Sebastopol. Find the club that offers the projects that interest you and your family.
HOW MUCH DOES 4-H COST?
The 4-H Youth Membership Fee for 2023-2024 is $63.00
The Adult Volunteer Program Fee for 2023-2024 is $33.00
The enrollment fees allows a member to participate in all any 4-H delivery mode. However, there are additional project and/or event fees required to participate in certain projects/events.
For example, overnight summer camp has an additional project fee.
Club leaders/4-H staff can provide additional information on specific project/event fees.
Fee waivers are available upon request and are subject to available funding sources.
WHY 4-H?
HISTORY
For more than 100 years, 4-H has provided youth with educational programs to promote personal growth and spark new interests.
These programs are led by passionate volunteers and 4-H professionals who provide a positive learning environment and develop partnerships with you to nurture leadership skills among 4-H members.
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
We strive to create an atmosphere where youth are able to explore knowledge, share ideas, grow skills, and find their passion. Research shows that when youth are engaged and self-direct their own learning, their learning is optimized.
LASTING IMPACT
For more than 10 years, 4-H has partnered with Tufts University to study the effectiveness of its youth development programs.
4-H Study of Positive Youth Development is a longitudinal study that began in 2002 and was repeated annually for eight years, surveying more than 7,000 adolescents from diverse backgrounds across 42 U.S. states.
The study showed that positive impacts from 4-H Programs lasted long after the youth graduated from 4-H.
When compared to non 4-H members, 4-Hers reported increased leadership and public speaking skills, increased likelihood to attend higher education institutions, and increased interest in in STEM programs/careers.