To join a 4-H club in Imperial County, please call the County 4-H Office at (760)352-9474. We will be able to provide contact names and numbers for Community Leaders for any of our 19 clubs throught the county.

Age Eligibility

Youth are eligible to participate in 4-H clubs as primary members if they are five years old or in kindergarten as of January 1 of the program year.  Youth enroll as regular members once they are nine years old or entering 4th grade by January 1 of the program year.  (For home schooled kids, go by age.)  The Imperial County program year runs from September 1 through August 31.  Youth remain eligible for membership until December 31 of the year in which they turn 19 years old.

Cost

There is a minimal enrollment fee for the 4-H program.  In Imperial County, it is $12.00 for youth and $8.00 for adult leaders/volunteers.  This annual statewide program fee is utilized to train volunteers, support the development of new educational materials, and cover the cost of insurance.

It is rare that a group or club can do anything without funds.  Money may be collected from members to cover the costs of project materials and 4-H events.  The 4-H member must receive fair value in goods and /or services for any money collected.  To prevent misunderstandings, it is a good idea for a parent/guardian to stay informed about any 4-H work that requires funds from a member.  Local clubs raise money in various ways, but 4-H policy forbids gambling, wagering, or raffles of any kind.

Insurance

4-H accident and illness insurance is mandatory and included in the cost of enrollment.  The Community Leader in your club can tell you about this insurance and provide an informational leaflet.  The leaflet explains what medical costs are covered in case of any accident or illness that occurs during any 4-H work or while traveling to or from official 4-H meetings and events.