To join a 4-H club in Santa Clara County, please call the County 4-H Office. Ask for the 4-H secretary, who can provide contact names and numbers for Community Leaders at 4-H clubs near you. These Community Leaders, in turn, can provide information about meeting schedules and locations, describe the projects offered by the volunteer leaders in their club, and help you complete the enrollment process.

Age Eligibility
Youth are eligible to participate in 4-H clubs as:

• Primary Members: five years old or in kindergarten as of January 1 of the program year.
• Regular members: nine years old or entering 4th grade by January 1 of the program year. (For home schooled kids, go by age.)

The Santa Clara 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
In Santa Clara County the 4-H program enrollment fee $15.00 for youth and/or adults. This annual statewide program fee is used to train volunteers, support the development of new educational materials, and cover the cost of insurance.

Additional fees may be collected from members to cover the costs of project materials and 4-H events. 4-H members 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 an accident or illness that occurs during any 4-H work or while traveling to or from official 4-H meetings and events.