Welcome to Iowa County 4-H!

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization. In Wisconsin, more than 69,000 youth are involved with 4-H and other UW-Madison Division of Extension youth programs. 4-H programming aims to engage youth in activities to increase their leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. Our programs center on the 4 H’s: head, heart, hands, and health. This is the foundation for everything we do.

Wisconsin 4-H has over 8,500 volunteers who serve as mentors for 4-H youth. They help provide a safe, engaging place for youth to take risks, practice their independence, and master new skills. Research shows there are many benefits to being involved in 4-H. 4-H youth are four times more likely to make contributions to their communities, two times more likely to be civically active, two times more likely to participate in out-of-school science programs, and two times more likely to make healthier choices.

4-H provides opportunities for youth to learn the life skills they need to be responsible adults, such as making good choices, leadership, public speaking, goal setting, planning and organizing, working as a team, written communication, and managing change. In 4-H, volunteers help youth plan and conduct meetings, projects, and activities and guide youth as they learn new skills.

Membership in 4-H is open to youth in kindergarten through age 19.

Iowa County 4-H News & Announcements

4-H Educational Experiences Opportunities & Scholarships

Wisconsin 4-H is starting to plan for 2022 educational programming, which involves travel and registration costs. An application to be considered for funds from Iowa County 4-H Leaders Association is due March 15 (application listed below). Members eligible for these experiences will receive an invitation directly from Wisconsin 4-H through your 4-H Online email (except for the 4-H Key Award).

State 4-H Teams: Join the Art or Drama Team, who help lead the 4-H Youth Conference, perform at State Fair, conduct State Art Show, and much more! Ages: Grades 9-13. Apply by February 15, 2022. COST: TBD. Scholarships available at the state level.
State 4-H Youth Conference: Attend a variety of workshops and recreational activities while living in dorms on UW-Madison campus. Ages: Grades 7-10. Dates: June 20-23. COST: TBD
Citizenship Washington Focus: Travel by bus to Washington D.C. to learn about citizenship, government, and history. Ages: grades 10-12, must be 15 years old. There are two options for this trip: June 11-18 or July 2-9. Apply by January 3, 2022. COST: $1,750
American Spirit East: Experience history & heritage by immersing in a 10-day bus journey to the East Coast. Ages: Grades 8-10; ONLY FOR 2022: students who are in 11th and 12th grades in 2022 are also eligible. There are three options for this trip: June 3-12, June 10-19, or June 17-26. Apply by January 14, 2022. COST: $1,650
State 4-H Art Camp: Two-day art experience at Upham Woods in the fall. Ages: Grades 6-8. COST: TBD
National 4-H Congress: Travel by plane to Atlanta, GA Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate accomplishments, hear motivational speakers, and do community service in the city. Ages: Grades 10-12. COST: TBD
4-H Key Award: This is the highest recognition you can receive in 4-H. You receive a certificate and key pendant at Awards Day in the fall. Ages: Grades 11-13. COST: NONE