FAQ About Polk County 4-H
go.ncsu.edu/readext?661907
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲You’re curious about the 4-H Program in Polk County? That’s awesome! We are so glad to answer your questions and hopefully encourage you to become part of our Polk County 4-H family. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about 4-H and our county program.
What is 4-H?
Even though it has been around for over 100 years, many people are new to 4-H
and do not realize what it is, what it has to offer, or how to become involved. 4-H is an international youth development program. In North Carolina, it is part of the Cooperative Extension and is dedicated to helping boys and girls ages 5 to 18 develop life skills needed to be contributing members of their communities such as responsibility, leadership, self-esteem, critical thinking, communication skills and good citizenship. The 4-H model is “learning by doing” which means that 4-Hers don’t just learn about things, they experience things for themselves!
What does 4-H stand for?
The 4 “H”s stand for: Head, Hands, Heart, and Health. The 4-H Pledge reads as follows
The 4-H Pledge is more than just words — it’s a promise to grow in every part of life.
-
Head reminds us to think, learn, and make wise choices.
-
Heart encourages kindness, respect, and teamwork.
-
Hands inspire us to serve others and work hard.
-
Health motivates us to live well and take care of ourselves and our world.
Every time we say the pledge, we’re celebrating what it means to be a 4-H’er — learning by doing, helping others, and making the world a better place!

Don’t you have to live on a farm to be part of 4-H?
4-H has deep roots in agriculture (it began with corn and tomato clubs in the early 1900s), but today, in addition to agriculture, 4-H involves science/STEM, public speaking/communication, life skills, sewing, community service projects and much, much more. 4-H is for farm kids, city kids…ALL kids!
What is the cost to join 4-H?
Joining 4-H is completely free!
Most of our programs are offered at no cost, and while some special classes or activities may have a small materials fee, we never want cost to be a barrier. Scholarships and financial assistance are always available so every young person can take part, learn, and grow with 4-H!
What types of programs does Polk County 4-H offer?
There’s something for everyone in Polk County 4-H! Depending on the season, youth can dive into hands-on clubs and workshops like Sewing, Cooking, Livestock, Cloverbuds, and Teen Council.
But that’s not all — 4-H’ers can also take the stage in Public Speaking & Presentation Contests, attend Leadership Conferences, give back through Community Service Projects, Livestock Projects, and enjoy short-term summer sessions that explore everything from gardening and horticulture to STEM and career development.
No matter your interest, 4-H is where curiosity grows and leaders are made!
When is registration for Polk County 4-H?
When do Polk County 4-H clubs meet?Our 4-H programs run year-round with monthly adventures and special summer sessions packed full of learning and fun!
Don’t miss out on upcoming classes, events, and registration dates subscribe to the Polk County Extension Newsletter on our website.
What age does my child have to be to join 4-H?
Youth can join 4-H at age 5. A youth’s age for 4-H is determined by his or her
age on Jan. 1 of the current year. You may continue to be a member of 4-H
through age 18. Youth ages 5 to 7 years old (referred to as Cloverbuds) are
non-competitive and receive participation ribbons in any activity they
participate in.
Do I have to live in Polk County to participate?
All children who live in Polk County or its surrounding counties (including Spartanburg County in SC) are eligible to participate in our clubs and activities.
How do I register my child/teen for a Polk County 4-H Club or activity?
Make sure you are subscribed to our email newsletter (sign up form is on our webpage)
To participate, please enroll your child through 4HOnline. this is our official enrollment system for all 4-H members.
Each month, new classes are announced, and registration will open through Google Forms linked in our newsletter or website.
Please note: Space is limited, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Families with an active 4HOnline profile receive priority registration for programs
How can I volunteer with Polk County 4-H?
4-H is always looking for volunteers! Depending on the amount of time
you would like to donate you can volunteer at a single event or teach a
workshop. If you want a deeper level of involvement, you can become a 4-H club
leader, which is a one year, renewable commitment. For more information on the ways to be involved as a volunteer, visit our 4-H Volunteer page.
Do you have specific questions about Polk County 4-H that aren’t answered here? Give us a call at 828-894-8218 or email 4-H Youth Development Leader Jessica Jackson



