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.
Competitions
Discover the main venues that our 4-H'ers ‘get their competitive juices flowing.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
APPLYUpcoming Events
Youth Horse Literacy @ Bennett County
Bennett County 4-H will host a Youth Horse Literacy event on May 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Youth will have the opportunity to learn about tack and horses as well as pattern practice in the arena.
Youth Livestock Literacy - Injection Clinic @ McCook County
McCook County 4-H will host a Youth Livestock Literacy event covering injection site management and record keeping at the McCook County Courthouse (130 W. Essex Ave., Salem, SD 57058) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 beginning at 6:30 p.m. CDT.
Youth Livestock Literacy - 605 Sires and Donors @ Marion
SDSU Extension will host a 4-H youth livestock literacy event exploring conventional beef industry semen practices on May 27 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. CDT at 605 Sires and Donors (27666 443rd Ave., Marion, SD 57043).
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Summer Series @ Morrie's Steakhouse
Join the 4-H FCS Skill-a-thon team for a FCS Summer Series session at Morrie's Steakhouse (2507 S Shirley Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57109) May 28 beginning at 9:00 a.m. CDT.
Showman's Best Camp @ Clay County
Sydell Sheep & Goat Equipment and Clay County 4-H will host a Showman's Best Camp for 4-H youth sheep and goat exhibitors on Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00 a.m. CDT at the Clay County Fairgrounds (515 High St, Vermillion, SD 57069).
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 who have completed grades 7+ that provides the opportunity to gain skills in musical theater performance.