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New Mexico State University

4-H Youth and Development

Our 4-H program provides a creative a supportive environment in which culturally diverse youth and adults can reach their full potential. Our local county program works to develop life skills to help young people become self-directed, productive citizens. We also work to empower adult volunteers who multiply the efforts of our local county Extension staff. Our 4-H youth development program is a dynamic non-formal education program. It provides opportunities for youth to learn life skills and gain knowledge while having fun. The life skills learned in 4-H enable youth to become productive, well-informed, self-reliant, responsible adults. Materials presented in PDF format require the free download of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

New Member Age Requirement (effective Oct 1, 2006)

(Effective Oct. 1, 2006) Cloverbuds: This program provides experientially-based "learn by doing" experiences for 5-8 year olds. The member must have passed her/his 5th birthday and be in kindergarten but not have passed her/his 9th birthday prior to January 1 of the current 4-H program year. Children may participate in a variety of approaches. Programming is developmentally appropriate and involves the following components: 1. Non-competitive cooperative activities. 2. Self-esteem and social interaction settings, 3. Exploration of skills and interests, 4. Group recognition for participants and 5. Involvement of parents and/or other significant adults. Novice: Ages 9 to 11. A 4-H member must have passed his/her 9th birthday or be 8 years old and in third grade but not have passed his/her 12th birthday prior to January 1 of the current 4-H program year. Junior: Ages 12 to 13. A 4-H member must have passed his/her 12th birthday but not have passed his/her 14th birthday prior to January 1 of the current 4-H program year. Senior: Ages 14 to 19. A 4-H member must have passed his/her 14th birthday but not have passed his/her 20th birthday by January 1 of the current 4-H program year. Rodeo: Rodeo age requirements still must meet the January 1 rule described above, but vary slightly from other 4-H programs: Novice: 9 - 11 years Junior: 12 - 14 years Senior: 15 - 19 years

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