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Series of trophies on display at a 4-H contest.

4-H

#TrueLeaders

4-H fosters an innovative, "learn by doing" approach with proven results.

Mission

South Dakota 4-H enables youth to be engaged in the following:

  • Partnerships with caring adults
  • Positive learning environments
  • Developing their fullest potential
  • Learning life skills

Values

Throughout the SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development program, we value:

  • Youth, families, and communities;
  • Partnerships and coalitions that work for the betterment of youth in our state, and combined strength of local programming in cooperation with the land-grant university, South Dakota State University;
  • Every child’s individuality and uniqueness;
  • Diversity and an inclusive environment that assures all youth access to programming;
  • Caring adults who volunteer to work with, mentor, and teach youth;
  • The Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Get Involved

Joining 4-H is easy! You can either visit your local 4-H county office or enroll as a new member online

As of January 1, potential members must be 5-7 years old in order to become a Cloverbud or 8-18 years old to become a 4-H member. 

Enroll in 4-H Today!

Start developing skills that youth can use now and throughout their lifetime.

ENROLL NOW

Find Local 4-H Information

Join the 4-H e-mail list

Don't miss out on 4-H developments, instead have them delivered to you.

SUBSCRIBE

Upcoming Events

Shooting sports instructors and participants training at an indoor range.
Apr 26

4-H State Shoot

SDSU Extension 4-H will host the 2024 4-H Sping State Shoot April 26–28 in locations throughout Pierre and Fort Pierre, South Dakota.

Group photo of 2023 Teen Leadership Conference participants standing in the shape of a clock
Jun 03

SkillsX by 4-H

SkillsX by 4-H provides all teens with an opportunity to develop their leadership and life skills, while working to learn, grow, and express themselves through an educational on-campus experience.

Group of 2022 4-H Performing Arts Camp attendees singing and dancing on stage
Jun 09

South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts Camp

South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts is a 7-day performative experience at Northern State University for youth ages 13 (or have completed 7th grade) to 18. The camp provides the opportunity for youth to gain skills in musical theater performance.

4-H ribbons and awards stacked on a table.
Jul 15

4-H County Achievement Days and County Fair Schedule

SDSU Extension's South Dakota 4-H program will be hosting county fairs and achievement days across South Dakota beginning in July 2024.