In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. We are America’s largest youth development organization—empowering over six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

4-H is a global network of youth organizations whose mission is “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development”. Its name is a reference to the occurrence of the initial letter H four times in the organization’s original motto ‘head, heart, hands, and health’ which was later incorporated into the fuller pledge officially adopted in 1927. In the United States, the organization is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 4-H Canada is an independent non-profit organization overseeing the operation of branches throughout Canada. Throughout the world, 4-H organizations exist in over 50 countries; the organization and administration vary from country to country. Each of these programs operates independently but cooperatively through international exchanges, global education programs, and communications.

The 4-H name represents four personal development areas of focus for the organization: head, heart, hands, and health. As of 2007, the organization had over 6.5 million members in the United States, from ages 5 to 18, in approximately 90,000 clubs. The goal of 4-H is to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility, and life skills in youth through experiential learning programs and a positive youth development approach. Though typically thought of as an agriculturally focused organization as a result of its history, 4-H today focuses on citizenship, healthy living, science, engineering, and technology programs. The 4-H motto is “To make the best better”, while its slogan is “Learn by doing”.

We need Leaders!

Have you ever considered becoming a 4-H leader?  Do you know someone who might be interested?  This is the time of year when we start looking for new leaders so come in and talk to either Reggie or Katlyn about getting started.  You can start your own club or be a project leader within another club or a county leader. Perhaps you have just the talents we are looking for! It’s a wonderful way to invest in the youth of the community.  If you are interested in being a new leader this year, please visit 4HOnline to start the enrollment application. Please make sure to fill out the Reference Screening portion as well. These references will be contacted by email and asked to fill out a short questionnaire. Once we receive these questionnaires back, we will start the process of a background check. During this time you will complete a short (45 minute) online volunteer training. Once all four steps are complete and approved, you will be a 4-H volunteer!

Hope you decide to join us!

Enrollment for 2024 is now OPEN!

• 2024 Projects
• Enrollment Website
• Enrollment Help Sheets
• Code of Conduct
• Colorado State University Extension Website
• Enrollment Fee: $30.00, please make checks payable to Custer County 4-H

PLEASE NOTE: Enrollment and fees MUST be paid to the Custer County Extension Office by MARCH 31, 2024, to participate in the 2024 Custer County Fair!

Custer County Clubs (Units)

• Trailblazers
• Triple C Clovers
• Wet Mountain Hermits
• Top Hands (Wetmore area)
• Cloverbuds (5-7)

For more information please visit the Custer County Fair tab!

• 2023 Custer County Fair Book (2024 Coming Soon)
• 2023 Custer County Fair Results
• 2023 Colorado State Fair Results

• 2024 Projects
• The project add/drop date is APRIL 24th: Contact the office to add/drop projects.
• 2024 State Fair Project Requirements
• 2024 State Fair Contest Requirements
• 2024 State Fair Dog Trials (Coming Soon)

Leadership Development Conference: January 27-28, 2024: 4-H Ages 14-18 (Registration on 4HOnline to open soon)

• Event Scholarship Form
• Please turn in completed form with payment for the event.
• We require the full cost of the event to be paid by the deadline. You will be reimbursed the scholarship amount once the event has concluded.

• Re-Enrollment: $30.00
• First-time Enrollment: $30.00
• **To be eligible to participate in the Custer County Fair enrollments must be turned in and paid for by MARCH 31st**
• Project Manual Printing: $5.00
• Record Book Printing: $2.00
• Late Fair Entry (after June 15): $5.00
• Tri-Fold Poster Board: $3.00

For more information please contact the Custer County Extension Office:

• By Phone: 719-783-2514
• Via Email: coopext_custer@mail.colostate.edu
• Mailing: PO Box 360 Westcliffe, CO 81252
• In-Person: Upstairs at the Custer County Courthouse located at 205 S. 6th St. Westcliffe, CO 81252
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/custer4h