4-H Youth Development
What is 4-H?
4-H is a national youth organization committed to building outstanding leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today’s global society. 4-H programs are designed to empower youth to reach their full potential while focusing on the 4 core values of 4-H: Head (Managing and Thinking), Heart (Relating and Caring), Hands (Giving and Working), and Health (Being and Living).
As a part of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, Boone County 4-H is here as a trusted source to provide informal education and life-skill development opportunities for youth to grow into confident, capable, and contributing members of their communities.
4-H helps kids find their spark, build real world skills and become resilient, adaptable, lifelong learners.
In Boone County, your 4-H enrollment includes:
- Variety of club offerings
- Monthly 4-H newsletter
- Free entry into the Boone County Fair
- Discount for 4-H camp
- And the opportunity to sign up for programming across a broad range of interests from livestock to arts to sports to STEM and so much more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
4-H is open to all youth ages 9-18 as of January 1st of the program year. Youth ages 5-8 years old are able to join as Cloverbuds with limited program availability.
Certain clubs, camps and activities may have additional age requirements.
Boone County 4-H is open to youth living in Boone County, Kentucky or youth attending Boone County Public Schools in Kentucky.
Adults 18+ can apply to volunteer in a variety of ways.
The 4-H year runs from September 1st to August 30th annually. Boone County 4-H is always welcoming new clubs, volunteers and members year round!
To participate in the Boone County Fair, the enrollment deadline is May 1st of the current program year.
Boone County 4-H is FREE! From day camps to project classes and more, your child can enjoy most of our offerings at absolutely no charge.
Some clubs may have additional fees, or fundraising opportunities, to cover the cost of projects, please check with the club for more information.
The cost of 4-H summer camp is announced every January when it opens for registration.
The first step is check out the club list further down this webpage and find a club you are interested in joining. Please contact the club leader and they can tell you the club meeting time, location, required attendance and the parent volunteer requirements. They will be able to answer any of your questions about joining their club.
Youth members will enroll through 4HOnline, you can find the details on the right sidebar of this webpage.
If you are interested in volunteering as an adult, please contact our 4-H agents to begin the process. You can call our office at 859.586.6101 to be transferred to their phone or email boone.ext@uky.edu to make a general inquiry.
In 4-H, youth get to decide what project to participate in. There is no exhaustive list of what projects are available but the Kentucky State 4-H Fair Catalog is a great place to look for ideas. Each club will decide together which projects they will offer each year. Some of the active projects in Boone County are:
- Animals: rabbit, poultry, sheep, goat, dairy, beef, swine, and horse.
- Arts: sewing, photography, creative arts and more
- Communications
- Sciences: Electricity and aerospace
- Shooting Sports: archery and rifle
Want to lead a project we don't currently have available? talk to our agents about becoming an adult volunteer!
Nope*! 4-H members can explore any subject area that interests them! Project areas include, but are not limited to: Arts, Foods and Food Preservation, Entomology and Natural Sciences, Plant Sciences, Animal Sciences, Engineering & Technology and more!
Each 4-H member selects at least one project, that sparks their interest. A project is what subject the member decides to learn about, make, or raise. Members choose projects that fit into their family, club, and community.
4-H members can be involved in as many projects as they wish and can change projects each year, depending on what interests them most!
*There are some Livestock and animal projects that will have specific requirements for you to own an animal, but in Boone County we have a great community of families that love to help out, reach out to your club leaders with questions on how to get started.
Youth do not need to be involved in a club in order to participate in Boone County 4-H. Throughout the year we offer many day camps and single project classes that are open to all of our active 4-H members.
If you are interested in starting your own club we'd love to have you join as well! We are always excited to help start new clubs with willing volunteers. Contact our office at 859.586.6101 or boone.ext@uky.edu to get in touch with one of our 4-H agents.
A club is a group of 5 of more youth from 3 different families, led by a certified 4-H adult volunteer – if you don’t have that many right away, that’s okay! We are here to help you every step of the way.
4-H clubs are run by volunteers. Any community member is welcome to become a certified volunteer and start a new club. Clubs may be a single-project club, where the group only participates in one project area (like goats, or baking) or multi-project club, where the club offers multiple project areas with multiple adult volunteers to support them.
ENROLL ONLINE TODAY!
We are now offering enrollment online* through 4-H Online. Please click below to begin registering! You can also reference our guide below for step-by-step instructions on how to enroll online.
Guide to Enrolling online. (COMING SOON!)
* Returning families, you already have an account! Please contact Loren Scheffler at loren.scheffler@uky.edu to receive your log-in information.
- Enrollment is from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026.
- To be an active member, receive monthly newsletters, and participate in 4-H events and non-school clubs, you MUST enroll or re-enroll by completing the 2026 enrollment form.
- Must be enrolled by May 1, 2026 for fair pass/ fair participation.
Paper forms still available.
If you prefer to enroll via paper form you can download here or visit our offices to pick up a printed copy.
- Please type or print neatly in ink. *Pencil will not be accepted.
- Return this form to the Boone County Cooperative Extension at 6028 Camp Ernst Rd, Burlington, KY 41005 or email it to boone.ext@uky.edu
4-H Newsletters
These clubs make their own decisions regarding their meetings -- when they meet, how often they meet, etc. Please be aware that some clubs have restrictions on the age of participants, limits on how many can participate, and when you can join the club.
Cloverbud Clubs (ages 5-8 years old)
LEGO CLUB: Young members will build, create and play! This club explores fine motor skills, creativity, and teamwork through fun LEGO activities.
Jessica Leitch, lego.cloverbud@gmail.com
LIL BUDS: Explore 4-H through crafts and educational activities.
Laila El-Amin & Maria Parker, laila.el-amin@uky.edu and maria.parker@uky.edu
4-H Clubs (ages 9-18 years old)
COUNTRY HAM: Explore processes of curing meats and build public speaking skills.
Cathy Fellows, cathy.fellows@uky.edu
DISC GOLF: Learn how to play disc golf.
Jason Brown, js.brown@uky.edu
ELITE DRILL TEAM: A group of riders learning to perform choreographed maneuvers to music. MUST HAVE A HORSE
April Cassedy, 859.250.9281
EQUUS RIDERS: Current club members ride mainly hunt seat. A great group of horse enthusiasts that has lots of fun together! MUST HAVE A HORSE
Angel DeVroomen, 859.384.7165
FLORAL DESIGN CLUB: Learn how to arrange flowers, how to grow your own flower garden and gain a skill for life.
Marea West, mareawest@fuse.net
HOBBY HORSE: Participate in Hobby Horse related crafts and practicing riding skills.
Sarah Cecil, scecil4@gmail.com
HOPS & FLOPS RABBIT CLUB: Hop into the world of rabbits -- no bunny required! Whether you already have a rabbit or are just curious abot these furry friends, this club is the perfect place to learn and explore. Discover fascinating facts about rabbit breeds from around the world, learn proper rabbit care, participate in fun activities and more! Join us as we explore everything rabbit-related in a fun and friendly 4-H environment!
*Meeting Times: 3rd Thursday of the month, 6:30 - 8 PM
*Location TBD for each meeting
Lindsay Callahan, lcallahan09@mail.wou.edu
HORSE SENSE CLUB: A club for horse enthusiasts that discusses horse-related educational topics. You do not need a horse in order to join.
*Check newsletter or upcoming events for next meeting dates.
Ashley England-Huff, 859.393.7501 or ashley.englandhuff@gmail.com
JUNIOR MASTER NATURALIST: For youth who are interested in nature. information and activities discussed include soil, birds, bugs, water, mammals, geology, wildflowers, and trees.
*Registration for meetings is REQUIRED
*Meeting Times: Monthly, on Mondays, September 8, 2025 - May 11, 2026
Laila El-Amin, laila.el-amin@uky.edu
KREATIVE KIDS CLUB: New for 2025, this club will help youth explore their artistic side through various arts and crafts.
Sandy Nguyen, bc4hkreativekids@gmail.com
LET's GET COOKING: Cooking, knife skills, easy meals and more!
Lisa Casteel, lisa.casteel@uky.edu
LIVESTOCK CLUB: Teaches 4-Hers about properly exhibiting and raising various livestock species. MUST HAVE LIVESTOCK.
Laila El-Amin, laila.el-amin@uky.edu
LIVESTOCK JUDGING: Build skills to evaluate and select livestock based on breed standards and qualities.
Becky Kohorst, becky.kohorst@gmail.com
LIVESTOCK SKILLATHON TEAM:
Serenity Kearns, skearns.sk@gmail.com
PAWS & CLAWS CAT CLUB: Learn all about cats! This year club members will be "cat vets," learning about important factors that affect cats' health, how to care for cats, and about veterinary careers. There is no requirement to own a cat.
Sandy Nguyen, bc4hcatclub@gmail.com
SEW UNIQUE DESIGN CLUB: Learn the basics of sewing and pattern making with a machine. No prior sewing experience needed. All supplies provided.
*Meeting Times: Usually on Mondays
*Location TBD for each meeting
Debra Feitl, 4hdesignclub@gmail.com
SHARPSHOOTERS: Learn how to safely and responsibly use archer bows, .22 caliber rifles and handguns, and 12 and 20 gauge shotguns. All equipment and ammunition for the season for one low price. Must apply with additional sharpshooters application, contact Debra for more information and deadlines. The Sharpshooter Open House will be on December 4, 2025 visit the events calendar for more information.
*Meeting Times: Twice a month on Thursdays
Debra Feitl, bc4hsharpshooter@gmail.com
TEEN CLUB: Middle and High-School aged youth learn leadership and civic engagement while having fun.
Cathy Fellows, cathy.fellows@uky.edu
YOUNG GUNS DRILL TEAM: Team of riders who perform choreographed maneuvers to music.
Joyce Voet, 859.630.4566
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Our 4-H program would not exist without its many volunteers. If you have a special interest or area of expertise you can help 4-Hers by managing a 4-H community club!
Contact our 4-H agents today to see how you can contribute to our Boone County Youth and the nation’s leading Youth Development Program!
The Kentucky 4-H Achievement program
The 4-H Achievement Program is intended to recognize 4-H participants who have outstanding accomplishments and incentivize youth to increase their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Contact Cathy Fellows cathy.fellows@uky.edu with questions.
HORSE INFORMATION
The purpose of this program is to recognize youth that are active with the Boone County 4-H Horse Program. To qualify for the award , the youth must meet the eligibility requirements and successfully complete all three divisions. Winner will be recognized at the annual Boone County 4-H Achievement Banquet.
Guidelines
- Open to all enrolled 4-H members.
- All activities must be completed during the current program year.
Instructions
- Must complete all three divisions (Fair 4-H horse show, 4-H Project Record Book, and Community/Education).
- A separate form must be completed for each activity in Community/Education division.
- Submit completed Application and Activity Forms to the Boone County Extension Office by the deadline.
- Completed Application and Activity Forms must be submitted in a binder or folder. Return completed form to:
- Boone County Extension Office
P.O. Box 876
6028 Camp Ernst Road
Burlington, Kentucky 41005
- Boone County Extension Office
APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 22, 2025
Learn more about the Levels and what the Kentucky 4-H Horse program has to offer:
LIVESTOCK INFORMATION
Click here to access the 2024-2025 Livestock Record Book
For more information, contact Laila M. El-Amin at lmelam0@uky.edu or call (859) 586-6101
Don't forget to fill out your buyer form as well? View and download the form here.
For Kentucky State Fair Catalog/ Cloverville click here:
Check the Kentucky 4-H Livestock Judging website for more information!
In addition to providing youth an opportunity to learn about animal selection and evaluation, nutrition and feeding, health and daily care, reproduction, and marketing, another of the important purposes for 4-H/FFA Youth Breeding and Market Livestock Projects are to facilitate learning the valuable life skills of responsibility, hard work, critical thinking, and decision-making. Achieving each of these purposes is best accomplished when the 4-Her or FFA member has personal ownership of their project and responsibility for the continuous daily care of their livestock or dairy project under the oversight of the youth’s parents or legal guardians, the local supervising Extension Agent or Vocational Agriculture Teacher, and (or) the volunteer
To help provide a framework where the above-mentioned purposes can be achieved, Kentucky has adopted rules pertaining to ownership, possession, and care of 4-H/FFA Youth Breeding and Market Livestock Projects. These rules apply to all 4-H/FFA beef, goat, sheep, and swine breeding and market animal projects (including beef heifers, beef cows, beef bulls, market steers, market heifers, breeding does, market goats, breeding ewes, market lambs, local leader. breeding gilts, and market hogs).
All 4-H/FFA market steers, market heifers, market lambs, market hogs, and market goats that will participate in market livestock shows in Kentucky (i.e., County Fairs, District Shows, Junior Livestock Expos, Kentucky State Fair, etc.) must be tagged with Radio Frequency Identification (R.F.I.D.) tags. The R.F.I.D. tag number will be used as the Kentucky Uniform Identification Program (K.U.I.P.) number. In addition, to be eligible for participation in the Kentucky State Fair, market steers, market lambs, market hogs, and market goats must have samples collected for DNA testing. The validation guidelines and required forms for validation can be found below.
The location where market animals will be housed is required to be identified on the validation form. The housing location must conform to the rules and guidelines found in the Ownership, Possession, and Care Rules for Kentucky 4-H/FFA Youth Breeding and Market Livestock Projects.
Animals that will only be exhibited as breeding animals (breeding heifers, breeding gilts, breeding ewes, and breeding does) do not need to go through the validation process. However, all breeding animals are required to be identified by June 1 by completing a Kentucky 4-H/FFA Breeding Animal Project Nomination and Location Form online.
Click here for the Kentucky 4-H/ FFA website
Jason S. Brown
Extension Assistant, 4-H Youth Development
(859) 586-6101 js.brown@uky.edu Boone County Extension Office 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, Kentucky 41005-0876Lisa K. Casteel
Extension Assistant, 4-H Youth Development
(859) 586-6101 lisa.casteel@uky.edu Boone County Extension Office 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, Kentucky 41005-0876Richelle L. Davis
Extension Assistant, 4-H Youth Development
(859) 586-6101 richelle.davis@uky.edu Boone County Extension Office 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, Kentucky 41005-0876Laila M. El-Amin
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
(859) 586-6101 lmelam0@uky.edu Boone County Extension Office 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, Kentucky 41005-0876Cathy Fellows
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
(859) 586-6101 cathy.fellows@uky.edu Boone County Extension Office 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, Kentucky 41005-0876Maria E. Parker
Extension Assistant, 4-H Youth Development
(859) 586-6101 Maria.Parker@uky.edu Boone County Extension Office 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, Kentucky 41005-0876Jasper Stevenson
Extension Assistant, 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community Arts, Family and Consumer Science
(859) 586-6101 jasper.stevenson@uky.edu Boone County Extension Office 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, Kentucky 41005-0876Additional Information
How does 4-H benefit youth?
4-H’ers, regardless of their background, socio-economic status, race or gender, benefit from their participation in Kentucky 4-H. Positive youth development studies have affirmed that compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H are:
- Four times more likely to contribute to their communities.
- Two times more likely to be civically active.
- Two times more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices.
- Two times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering and Computer Technology programs during out-of-school time.
- 4-H girls are two times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly three times more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities.
