About 4-H
What is 4-H?
4-H is a non-profit, youth-run leadership club for children ages 5-19.
For over 100 years, 4-H has offered young people the chance to learn by doing.
4-H (Head, Heart, Hands, and Health) aims to prepare kids for our modern world. Members have many opportunities to practice public speaking to lead others, support the community in service activities, aspire to healthy living, meet other local youth, and try activities of their choice!
How does 4-H work?
The Belmont 4-H Club has a small farm and clubhouse located in the Crystal Springs area that is shared with the Burlingame- San Mateo 4-H Club.
The club offers “hands-on” projects and activities, led by adult volunteers, for youth ages 5–19. Each youth member enrolls in the projects they are interested in, plus they attend monthly general meetings, fun days, farm clean-up days, and service activities. There are also county competitions where members can showcase what they've learned in their projects. A unique aspect of 4-H is that the club is run by the youth officers and members, so members learn leadership, good citizenship, and active participation in governance.
Additional projects may be offered based on whether we get adult volunteers to lead them. The county also sometimes offers projects.
How was 4-H formed?
In the late 1800's many adults were unwilling to learn knew farming techniques, while youth was accepting of new practices and taught them to adults. The birth of 4-H took place when A. B. Graham started youth agriculture clubs in Ohio in 1902. Clubs were formed by different people around the country, and in 1910 the clover was created. By 1912 these agricultural clubs were called 4-H clubs. In 1914 the Smith-Lever Act was passed, spreading 4-H across the country. By 1924 clubs were being formed and the clover used. "4-H" was first mentioned in California reports in 1928. 4-H continues to work to help are youth and teach them valuable lessons. Today 4-H the largest youth organization, larger than both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
For a more in depth history of 4-H visit:
University of California 4-H History
What Happens at 4-H Meetings?
At our monthly meetings our Youth Executive Board calls the meeting to order. The meeting begins with the Treasurer Report for the last month before we go over old business. After this we go over new buisness and future events before ajourning. Members are not required to attend the meetings however they are strongly encouraged too. Members who wish to take their animals to fair must attend at least 80% of the general meetings.
What is the Youth Executive Board?
Belmont 4-H is run by the Youth Executive Board or YEB and the positions are available to 9 and up. The Board is comprised of the President, The Vice President of Projects, The Vice President of Membership, the Secretary, and the Treasurer. Other positions are available such as games and health officer. At the end of each of year members 9 and older are able to run for the Youth Executive Board. The YEB meets once a month, separate from monthly meetings. YEB Members are more involved in the club than most members, and members interested in join the board should be committed to 4-H and the extra work required for these positions.
For members more focused on the agrarian side of 4-H there is a Farm Board. Members on the farm board are 9 and up and have monthly meetings at our crystal springs.
What is 4-H Camp?
San Mateo County 4-H Camp is an overnight camp for 9-18 year olds. It is a week-long camp at YMCA Camp Jones Gulch. Just like Belmont 4-H 4-H camp hosts many amazing activities including swimming and archery. You do not have to be a 4-H member to attend the camp.
Learn more about San Mateo County 4-H Camp here.
Who governs 4-H?
In California, 4-H is run through the University of California. We're managed by the County Co-operative Extension office, the same people who do other outreach from the university into the community, including the Master Gardeners program. Learn more here.