What is a Portfolio and do I have to do it? “Have to” is quite strong wording.  The 4-H Portfolio is a way to record what you did during your year of 4-H and write down your accomplishments as well.  It is a compilation of how your year went.  It serves many purposes! -A record of your year -Captures things you may forget -A way to think about the learning your have done in 4-H -You can turn it in for prizes! -Later when you apply for scholarships, you can use this record to fill out scholarship applications So, you are rewarded for filling out your portfolio and it is an achievement.  Congratulations if you do it!  If you don’t, you won’t be punished from the 4-H office.

Where do I find information? There are lots of resources! -The 4-H Extension Office located at 655 E 5th St in Powell or 1002 Sheridan Avenue in Cody -Online: www.wyoming4-h.org/park4h, www.uwyo.edu/4-h, www.4-h.org -Leaders are always a great source of information and if you don’t know one, talk to the Extension Office. -There are many resource materials online at https://4-h.org/about/4-h-at-home/ . We also have project books that can be checked out of our office!

What is the point of having a leader? Leaders are amazing!  Don’t forget to thank them because they volunteer to help you!  They may not always have answers for you, but they are there to support you in your projects and help you find answers. Please use them and cherish them.

Why should I participate in my club? Well, you’re missing out if you don’t.  Clubs are a way to interact with other youth.  You can also often find answers to project questions in your club.  Clubs are a community that is there to support each other in learning, create better youth, and most importantly HAVE FUN!  They can do it with out you, but it sure would be better with your participation.

4-H is just about Fair, right? Not really…though good things happen at fair, 4-H can happen with out fair.  I know right now you are saying “WHAT!?!?”, but it’s true.

What is Junior Leaders? Junior Leaders are members 13-18 years old that are outstanding!  They are part of the Junior Leader group that meets to have fun, lead others, and be active in 4-H on a county-wide basis.  They work hard and play hard.  Come join!

What is the point of the Extension Office? We are here for you!  We work to help you succeed.  We are here to facilitate the 4-H program.  We are happy to do things if you ask, but please be respectful of our staff, as they work very hard.  Let us know what we can do for you and we will do our best!

How do I sign up for 4-H? You can sign up online at 4h.zsuite.org.  For help enrolling follow this ZSuite enrollment (3).  You can also sign up at either Extension Office in Cody or Powell.  Visit the Contact Us page to see our locations.   Registration is $15 per youth.  A few certain projects such as shooting sports might have an additional fee.

After I sign up, then what do I do? Join a club!  We have a lists of clubs, that are great.  4-H is best when members are active in a community club.  Many life skills are learned in this setting such as leadership.  They will help you get started and learning about 4-H and your projects.

I want to do a project, but there isn’t a leader.  What do I do? Unfortunately some projects don’t have leaders.   That doesn’t mean you can’t learn!  You can buy project books online at:4-hmall.org, or your parents can help you, or friends that are knowledgeable about the area you are interested in.   4-H is an informal learning process that should be fun, and family oriented!

How many projects should I do? In your first you, we recommend you only take on one or two projects.  They can be time consuming and you want to do a good job!  Then you can take more because you will have a better understanding of what you are taking on.

4-H is for farm kids, so why should I join? 4-H is for everyone!  We have over 60 projects in Wyoming that are for kids in any setting.  Consider trying Robotics, Food & Nutrition, Knitting, or Rocketry!  Check out the list and find one YOU might like!