About Us

Orange County 4-H offers fun, hands-on learning experiences to youth ages 5-18. Under leadership of caring adult volunteers, youth explore their interests in a variety of subjects, such as animals, leadership, cooking, and outdoors. Youth experience a sense of belonging through our clubs, camps and programs, and they employ the four H's: head to clearer thinking, heart to greater loyalty, hands to larger service, and health to better living.

We operate in a variety of delivery modes: year-round clubs led by adult volunteers and youth officers, school enrichment programs, day camps, SPIN clubs (short-term special interest), and 4-H Junior Camp for one week each summer at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center in Front Royal. Youth develop through contests such as public speaking, teamwork, and animal husbandry, and learn to keep records through 4-H project work. They earn awards and recognition, travel, explore, and learn from field experts.

Whether a child wants to explore a college campus with us each fall, learn to vaccinate cattle, or design and present a themed table setting and meal, 4-H has something to offer. Our Food Challenge involves cooking a healthy meal using assigned ingredients and delivering a presentation to judges. The TACO (Therapeutic Adventure Camp of Orange) program provides a day camp experience and horseback riding to children with disabilities each summer. Teenagers receive valuable training in ages and stages of youth development, risk management, and communication skills while preparing to be 4-H camp counselors and local caregivers.

Extension's funding comes from federal, state, and local government; 4-H clubs earn money through fundraisers and donations. Some 4-H activities require fees, but there is no charge to join 4-H.