Membership/Age Requirements

  • Any youth who is 5 years old on Oct. 1 may join a 4-H Cloverbud group.
  • Cloverbuds is a non-competitive educational program for youth ages 5 to 7 years of age and is the ONLY project they can enroll in.
  • Youth age 8 on Oct. 1 may join a regular 4-H club as a full member who can enroll in several different projects. Given the differing maturity and ability of youth this age, a family may choose to have their child continue in a Cloverbud group even though s/he will turn 9 during the coming year. If a youth turns 19 years of age prior to the beginning of the program year (Oct. 1), s/he is not eligible to re-enroll in 4-H unless still in high school.
  • 4-H membership is open to all eligible youth. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and Montana State University Extension prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status.
  • In recognition of the educational and developmental needs of youth, a general guideline is listed below to help determine which level of projects a youth might be enrolled in based on age.
  • Individuals older than 18 years of age who have special needs are eligible to participate in 4-H provided they are still enrolled in high school.

Classifications                Age Range
Cloverbuds                       5 to 7 years old
Junior/ Intermediate       8 to 13 years old
Senior                              14 to 19 years old

Clover Project Guidelines

The projects listed are all state supported projects available to Montana 4-H members. Each project is followed by a description and listing of the materials needed to complete the project.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Check with your 4-H leader or Extension agent to see which projects are offered in your area. Not all projects listed in this guide may be available in your community.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Projects should be completed in order, starting with Level 1. Publication number is needed to order materials. Prices subject to change.

Additional Projects

Some counties offer projects in addition to those listed in this publication. These projects usually meet a specific need within the county 4-H program. If you are interested in these, contact your MSU Extension office to find out more. Many projects also have opportunities for sharing and learning about your unique skills and talents through project achievement programs. Contact your Extension office to find out how to meet these goals.

Volunteerism Opportunities

Volunteerism and Leadership involves youth and adults in significant roles where they can help facilitate the growth and success of others. Opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways to your club, your community, your country and your world can be varied and numerous. Through these projects, you can help others, serve as a mentor, tutor or coach, and fill important leadership roles that contribute to the overall vitality of your community.

Project Requirement Examples

Learning Experiences: Learning activities that are not outlined in the required or optional activities. Examples include: attend project meetings, workshops, classes or clinics, tours; interview an expert, give a demonstation or speech, compete in contests, skill-a-thons or quiz bowls; read books, magazines, research articles, science-based blogs or website; view television or videos.

Leadership Experiences: Leadership activities that are not outlined in the required or optional activities. Examples include: share knowledge with others, mentor younger members, organize a workshop, activity or event, help leaders implement project meetings, create educational materials for others, give a demonstration or speech.

Citizenship Experiences: Citizenship Activities that are not outlined in the required or optional activities. Examples include: community service events, helping others that are not family, using income from a project to assist others, volunteering in any capacity.

Experiential Learning Model

Montana 4-H curriculum follows the Experiential Learning Model, which ensures "learning by doing." Learn about the Experiential Learning Model and how to use it while planning project activities.