Welcome to Napa 4-H. Please review the following program information to learn more about 4-H.
WHAT IS NAPA 4-H?
The Napa County 4-H Program helps youth, ages 5-18, reach their fullest potential as competent, confident individuals who contribute to and are connected with their communities.
Using an experiential educational model, 4-H helps youth develop essential skills that they will use throughout their lives, such as identifying and nurturing interests, desiring knowledge, setting goals, self-reflection, adapting to new situations, communicating, and responding to the needs of others.
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.
Handbook for Families in UC 4-H
Manual Para Families - Universidad de California 4-H
4-H DELIVERY MODES
There are multiple ways youth and families can participate in the Napa County 4-H Program. Youth can join one, or more, 4-H delivery modes:
4-H Community Clubs: A 4-H community club is an organized group of youth members, supervised by a team of appointed 4-H adult volunteers, with a planned program that is carried out through all or most of the year. 4-H clubs usually meet regularly in the evenings or on weekends and offer multiple self-chosen project learning experiences and activities. 4-H Clubs generally start in September or October and go until May or June.
4-H Overnight Summer Camps: 4-H Camp is a week-long overnight camping experience where youth ages 9 & older participate in a variety of educational and recreational activities. 4-H Camp typically occurs in June.
4-H Short-Term Programs: 4-H short-term programs, also called Step Into 4-H, is a six-hour program led by 4-H staff or volunteers. Youth participate in a self-chosen project learning experience that allows them to experience a 4-H project in a topic area that interests them. Short-Term programs could be weekly projects, day-camps, or one-day skill-building workshops. Short-term programs may be offered throughout the 4-H Program Year (July- June), but often take place in the spring (April-June).
4-H Teens as Teachers Programs: Teens are coached and supported by 4-H and Expanded Learning adult staff as they work in teams to plan and deliver 4-H lessons to students in an afterschool education setting. Teens receive tangible career readiness training and exposure to workplace standards as they develop workplace skills, leadership skills and confidence, and a sense of service as they contribute to and connect with their community.
4-H Afterschool Education Programs: Youth receive 4-H curricula or other educational materials during out of school hours programming while under the supervision of afterschool staff. Ask your afterschool organization if they partner with Napa County 4-H to learn more!
WHERE DOES 4-H TAKE PLACE?
4-H Programs take place all across Napa County. Some 4-H projects meet in homes, farms/ranches, the 4-H Office, schools, and/or local businesses.
There are no residency restrictions in Napa 4-H. For example, if you live in the City of Napa, you can join a club in American Canyon. When selecting a club, we recommend prioritizing not only location, but also projects of interest, as project offerings will vary between clubs.
HOW MUCH DOES 4-H COST?
The 4-H Youth Membership Fee for 2024-2025 is $62.00 per youth.
The 4-H Adult Volunteer Fee for 2024-2025 is $28.00 per adult.
The enrollment fees allow a member to participate in any and all 4-H delivery modes. However, additional fees may be required to participate in certain projects/events. For example, overnight 4-H summer camp has an additional registration fee. Club Leaders and/or 4-H staff can provide additional information on additional fees.
UC 4-H is open to all youth, regardless of their ability to pay, and a fee waiver/reduction can be requested (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. Read more about the study here.
READY TO JOIN?
Learn about how to enroll in Napa County 4-H here.