4-H/Youth Development

4-H offers ample opportunities for home- school families

Source: Mark Mains, Assistant Director for 4-H Youth Development 4-H offers hands-on learning opportunities for all young people, so it’s no surprise that many home-school families find 4-H programs perfectly align with their educational objectives and goals. Located in offices of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, 4-H is in every county. Its curriculum covers a wide variety of interests. Chances are if your young person is interested in a particular topic, 4-H has information, an activity or a program related to it.

Like other youth who attend public or private schools, home-schooled 4-Hers can complete projects and submit them to fairs and exhibitions to showcase their hard work and accomplishments. 4-H also offers leadership opportunities and the chance for youth to learn about civic engagement and make a positive difference in their community.

Home-school families can participate in 4-H at any level they are comfortable and can do so as an individual youth or entire family. You can join an existing 4-H club or start your own. Many counties also have home-school clubs that serve other local families.

Joining Kentucky 4-H is completely free, and the majority of activities and projects are low cost and chosen by families based on their needs or interests. Home-school families also have access to 4-H’s large collection of project books, available in hard copy and online.

Many families find these project books are useful for more than just completing projects and use them as supplemental educational materials.

If you are a home-school family looking for a chance have an enriching experience, you can visit your Woodford County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service to learn about local 4-H possibilities.