4-H clubs provide youth with self-directed learning opportunities in various locations, including online. Meetings are typically held in the evenings or on weekends. Each club may be different, but they all follow these core criteria: 

• Membership: At least 5 members from 3 different families.

• Meetings: A minimum of 10 business meetings per year, led by youth officers, including educational programs and social activities. Supplemented by project meetings, camps, fairs, and other activities.

• Youth Leadership: Elects youth officers to lead the club.

• Adult Volunteers: Advised by screened and trained adult volunteers.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn leadership, citizenship, community service, and public speaking.

• Projects: Individual project experiences in agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM.

• Research-Based Programs: Programs and curriculum based on research and developmentally appropriate.

• Resources: Access to resources from land-grant universities and county, state, and national 4-H opportunities.

• Experiential Learning: Uses learning-by-doing as a primary teaching method.

• Youth-Adult Partnerships: Encourages active involvement from both youth and adults.

• Safe Environment: Provides a safe and healthy environment for learning and personal growth.

Established 4-H Clubs in Spotsylvania County:

• Hot Shots 4-H Club: Shooting Education project-based.

• Livestock 4-H Club: Market Livestock project-based.

• Cloverbud 4-H Club: For children aged 5-8, this club offers a variety of age-appropriate activities to introduce them to the 4-H program.