4-H Project Guide
Get Started Here!
Not sure what projects to pick or even what they are? This space is for you!
On a Journey
Not your first year, but still exploring your options? Visit this space!
Seasoned Member
I know what I want, just need the resources!
What is a 4-H Project?
A 4-H project is a specific area of interest for 4-H members and volunteers. Youth choose which project(s) they want to enroll in each year. In 4-H, we believe in “learning by doing.” That means project participation involves hands-on learning in the activities that spark youth interest.
Tips for choosing a project area
To narrow down the project list, think about:
- Things you are passionate about
- Causes that matter to you
- Emotions you appreciate about yourself
- People, places, or things that matter most to you
Youth are not limited to one project area, or one project! Choose the ones you feel confident in, and pick a challenging one, too!
Some Rules to Understand
Youth in grades 5K-2 may only sign up for the Cloverbud project, which is a chance for them to explore all 4-H has to offer at an age-appropriate level.
Youth in grades 3-4 can sign up for the Exploring Project in addition to any other Projects. This project allows youth to get face-to-face judging at fair time and participate in other projects in a more transitional way.
Youth cannot sign up for both Horse (physical horse exhibition and ownership) and Horseless Horse (wanting to learn about horses) at the same time. Both ARE Horse Project members, should come to the meetings, etc, however, one choice should be made for the year.
Supporting Your Projects
In La Crosse County, we have a few 4-H groups and external groups who meet regularly, led by volunteers, who focus on specific project area education and workshops. For more information about these groups and their resources, please visit the La Crosse La Crosse 4-H Projects.
Be sure to check out the WI-4-H Project Guide and their Project Site.
Here is a helpful video on how to find additional resources to support your project!
Each county also has the opportunity to create county-specific projects. This helps us narrow down things in communication with our volunteers, as well as, external organizations like the Ag Society in how they run their fair. Our specific projects are:
- Shooting Sports: Archery
- Shooting Sports: Air Rifle
- Horse: Horse
- Horse: Horseless Horse
- Goat: Meat
- Goat: Dairy
- Folk Arts & Crafts: Collections
Literature & Curriculum
Many projects are supported through in-home work using 4-H or other research-based curriculum. In La Crosse, our Leaders’ Association sponsors the first five free workbooks purchased through Shop 4-H.
- Using Project Literature is completely optional. The Literature is merely provided as a resource.
- Activity books and resources provided by the 4-H Leaders Board are to aid a member’s learning and journey through a project for the year
- Literature can be used as background knowledge to start a project, a guide to stay on track, or a resource at the end of the year to complete a Record Book
- Each actively enrolled 4-H youth is eligible for 5 FREE pieces of project literature per year! Additional titles may be available for purchase or are free to view online.
