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Early on in homeschooling, I began looking for different homeschool groups in the area. I wasn’t really looking for a co-op where someone else would be teaching my children. After all, I love teaching and was looking forward to teaching them. I wanted something fun, though, with other homeschoolers. That’s when I found our current 4-H group.  

Now, when I say 4-H, most will ask, “What animals do you raise?”

Well, we do have chickens. However, our group doesn’t focus on animals. We focus more on life skills, academics, and so much more.

Sounds cool, doesn’t it???

Many people don’t realize 4-H is more than raising animals. Though, all those animal projects are perfect for homeschooling too. They have science clubs, academic clubs, quilting clubs, and many others.

Now, even if you aren’t familiar with the program, you probably know their symbol- a four-leaf clover. Well, it isn’t for good luck. Instead, the 4 Hs stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Through the program, kids develop skills that work on these four areas.

So, let me share why 4-H works so well with homeschooling.

What is 4-H

In the 4-H program, “kids and teens complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.” (4-H National website.)

What does that mean?

Kids do many fun projects that help them learn new skills and learn to become leaders in their communities.

For instance, in the past several years, my kids have done a variety of projects. They have done book clubs, Maine Studies, karate, quilting, woodworking, STEM, Minecraft, and so much more. Oh, and I can’t even name the many different cooking classes we’ve done. Of course, homeschoolers know that learning is always much better when food is involved.

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Our group divides the kids into three age groups: Cloverbuds, Juniors, and Teens. The juniors and teens take on leadership roles like President, Vice President, Treasurer, secretary, and reporter. The kids create posters and prepare speeches to run for a position and hold elections. Once leaders are chosen, with guidance, each meeting is run by the kids using Robert’s Rules of Order.

The kids also take part in community service projects, fundraisers, and a science and history fair throughout the year.

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Not only are the kids having fun, but they are learning to be active citizens, leaders, public speakers, and a variety of skills through their projects.

Clubs

Now each club is a little different. Most other clubs focus on animals like dairy cows, goats, horses, dogs, and other animals. Though, we have more people starting 4-H homeschool clubs.

Regardless of the type of 4-H club it is, the program offers many opportunities for kids to learn and grow. They emphasize guiding kids to learn new skills and provide opportunities to share what they know with others. That is where the fairs come in.

Have you noticed the 4-H projects on display at the fairs? You know the projects with big ribbons on them? Those are all the cool things kids learned during the year. Then, kids reflect on what they learned while doing their projects, and judges evaluate them.

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My club runs the exhibit hall at our local fair. We take in all the projects and find judges. It is always so much fun seeing all the cool things the kids did over the year.

Next time you’re at the fair, you should really look at all those projects.

4-H in Our Homeschool

4-H is where my kids have other homeschoolers to hang out with while doing fun projects. It is a place for my kids to learn new skills, have leadership and public speaking opportunities, and reinforce the importance of helping your community (we are also a scouting family too). Oh, plus, it is an excellent place for ME to meet up with other homeschool moms. Because of all this, I am a leader in our club.

So, I’d encourage you to check out the 4-H programs in your area. If there isn’t a club that would be a good fit in your area, you could start your own. They have so many lesson plans and resources that are there to help you get started. Also, I’m sure a public university in your state supports a 4-H program near you where you can find out more.

All in all, 4-H is so much fun and fits nicely into homeschooling. Check into for yourself!

Happy Homeschooling!