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Educational Opportunities

At the local level, 4-H'ers enjoy numerous opportunities for social, hands-on learning, competitive, and community service events. For your county’s 4-H event calendar, please contact your local 4-H county office. At the state level, 4-H opportunities are generally broken into the three Cs: camps, competitions  and conferences. Several state opportunities don’t necessarily have a “C” category and are highlighted on this page for your convenience.

Opportunities

Two children making fresh pasta

Beyond Ready

4-H is equipped to support youth in becoming Beyond Ready – prepared to plan and navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Group photo of 4-H Capitol Day participants

Civic Education

South Dakota 4-H takes a comprehensive approach to civic education in our communities that includes three key programs and resources: 4-H Capitol Day, 4-H Legislature, and the 4-H Civocacy Guide.

a man presenting in front of a group of young people.

Conference and Teens

Leadership development has long been a focus (and result) of the 4-H experience. SDSU Extension's 4-H program recognizes the tremendous individual and public value that results when our empowered members develop essential leadership skills.

Two boys working on a project.

Clover Connect

Youth across South Dakota, especially in rural areas, benefit from opportunities to explore their interests, build skills and start imagining what their future could look like. Clover Connect brings SDSU and learning opportunities to communities across South Dakota.

Group of youth standing atop a hill

4-H Outdoor Education

The term ‘outdoor education’ refers to a wide range of experiential education in, for, and about the outdoors. Outdoor education experiences range from single events to year-long programs for youth in South Dakota.

Apply for 4-H Scholarships

Youth who have at least five years of active membership in South Dakota 4-H, are current high school seniors, or are enrolled at South Dakota State are eligible to apply for South Dakota 4-H Scholarships.

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Upcoming Events

Group of 4-H youth with clipboards at a livestock judging event.
Feb 13 - 14

Youth Livestock Skill-A-Thon @ Watertown Winter Farm Show

SDSU Extension 4-H will host a come-and-go Livestock Skill-A-Thon during the Watertown Winter Farm Show at the Codington County Extension Complex in Classroom A (1910 W. Kemp Ave., Watertown, SD 57201) February 13-14, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CST.