August – September

At the last formal club meeting of the “old” 4-H year, or prior to the first meeting of the new program year:

1. Identify club leaders for the coming year, pending volunteer application approval. Notify local Extension Office of any changes in club leadership. Any potential new volunteers talk to the Extension Office to start the volunteer application process.
2. Elect club officers. Some clubs prefer to do this at the first meeting of the new program year. Others prefer to elect officers before summer so that they have all summer to plan for the upcoming new program year. Provide officers with information the Colorado 4-H Officer’s Handbook.
3. Meet with club officers and determine club goals, programs, committees, and service projects for the year, referring to club standards and checklist of sample club activities for ideas (below).
4. Invite prospective new members and volunteers to the first meeting of the new program year.
5. Assign a mentor to new members and volunteers to answer their questions during their first year.
6. Check Monthly Club Meeting Calendar Samples.
7. Remind youth and parents about end of year deadlines (livestock record book turn in, achievement night outstanding person nominations, etc).
8. Complete Chartering Process + Documents. These are typically due around September 1.

October

At the first club meeting of the new 4-H year:

1. Prior to your first meeting ensure your club paperwork (chartering docs) is complete and approved.
2. Continue recruiting volunteers as needed for those projects that do not have leaders. Seek the help of other club leaders or your Extension Agent to start area-wide project groups to meet the needs and interests of members. Remember new project leaders cannot begin working with members until they have completed volunteer screening.
3. Communicate to all families about enrollment using the 4-H Online system. If possible have computers and internet access at the meeting to allow members to register. Explain the importance of carefully completing all information requested. Encourage members to pay their enrollment fees at the Extension Office as soon as possible to complete the enrollment process.
4. Announce re-enrollment deadline established by club/county as well as new enrollment and add/drop deadline for projects.
5. Install officers and initiate new members.
6. Assure that a “kick-off” project or activity is completed to motivate new and current members.
7. Make sure youth are receiving their project manuals and other important literature.

December

Before the end of the December:

1. Committees report plans to club for adoption.
2. Tentative club calendar created/completed and distributed to families and volunteers.

January – July

1. Make sure your club is aware of enrollment deadline and project add/drop deadline.
2. Support project leaders and club officers with activities and events
3. Help members prepare record books and submit applications for state and national events and scholarships.
4. Coordinate hands on activities like skill-a-thons, quiz bowls, judging classes and demonstrations at club meetings or other events.
5. Begin preparing for the fair and local and state contests.
6. Check with Extension Office for upcoming area-wide events.
   

The new 4-H year is always a busy time with re-enrollment, county recognition events, new members and project leader recruitment that all need attention. However, a little time spent planning for the entire year now, can pay big dividends in the long run. The involvement of members in this process is crucial for increasing member commitment and participation for the entire year. This is an excellent opportunity to help members build leadership skills as they plan, implement and evaluate group activities throughout the year with guidance from parents and leaders!

The list of suggestions below is provided to help your group start thinking of ways to make the coming year the best one yet. Remember, community service is an important part of 4-H member development.

Club Activity Checklist:

Check ideas you would like to see your club do!

Education Topics for Programs
□ Parliamentary Procedure
□ Career Night
□ Environmental Program
□ Project Workshops
□ Character Education Games/Activities
□ Effective Communication with Others
□ Goal Setting
□ Public Speaking/Demonstration Tips & Ideas
□ Dealing with Peer Pressure
□ Money Management
□ 4-H Awards Available
□ Team Building Activities
□ Safety Programs (farm, lawnmowers, etc.)
□ 4-H Judging Contests – Giving Reasons
□ Preparing Exhibits for Fairs and Shows
□ Time Management
□ Wilderness Survival
□ Record Keeping
□ Visit by County Office Holder
□ Cowboy Ethics (talk to Area Extension Agent for info)
□ Community Service

Club Fun
□ Backwards Meeting
□ Halloween Party
□ T-Shirt Night
□ Family Potluck/Picnic
□ Costume Party
□ Family Camping Trip
□ Mystery Trip
□ Trips
□ Zoo
□ Museum
□ Amusement Park
□ Sports Event
□ National Park
□ County government
□ Hayride & Bon Fire
□ Bowling
□ Swim Party
□ Canoe or Rafting Trip
□ Winter Party (skating, sledding)
□ Parade/Float
□ Dance or Club “Talent” Night

Community Service Projects
□ Hygiene kits (for homeless shelters)
□ Project with Senior Citizens
□ Activity Day with Preschoolers
□ Project with Disability Group
□ Park Clean Up/Equipment Purchase
□ Help organize another 4-H club
□ Sponsor Citizenship Day
□ Leaf raking
□ Bake/make small gifts for 4-H leaders/supporters

Fund Raising
□ Garage Sale/Consignment Sale
□ 4-H Cookie/Candy Sale
□ 4-H Car Wash
□ Food Sales (Bake sale, etc.)
□ Create a 4-H cookbook for sale
□ Seed/plant sale
□ Dinners (chili, pancake, etc.)
□ Club trip/Outing
□ Labor auction

What to do with Dollars
□ Scholarships for club members to camps, State Congress,
or other 4-H events
□ Donation to charity
□ Small memento to “graduating” 4-Hers
□ Have a party or take a field trip as a club