4H is an educational organization for boys and girls who must be eight years of age and have not passed their 19th birthday by January 1 of the current year. It is open to all youth regardless of race, color, sex, handicap, religion, age, or national origin.



4H is sponsored throughout Maryland by the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension. Nationally, it is a part of the Extension Service in the United States Department of Agriculture. The people responsible locally are 4H Extension Educators in the St. Mary's County Office of Maryland Cooperative Extension, supported, in part, by the St. Mary's County Government.



Sometimes, if they have little business to conduct, they may work on their projects and play a game or two. Sometimes the whole meeting will be devoted to one thing.



The members of the club plan the program, especially if the club is small. If the club is large, ideas are given by everyone and a committee is put together to decide on a club program from the ideas.



4H Clubs may have officers and whatever committees they need to run their own business. 4H has materials available for Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, News Reporters, and Recreation Leaders. The club may have more or less officers depending on their needs.