My daughter now wants to do 4-H next year instead of Campfire Girls...I wish she would stick with something.

Anybody in 4H? Good/bad?

My son just joined, not sure if it is "his thing" yet or not.  I think it really depends on the group and leaders, some do a lot of very neat projects while others not so much. 

You can always attend a few meetings without joining to get a feel for it.

Good luck.

I did 4-H when I was young and now my 4 kids are in the same club I was growing up.  We really like it for lots of reasons.  My 12 yo dd participated in a Health and Safety skit last year, that my husband and I helped with.  They won at the district and local levels and got to take it to the state fair, where they got 2nd place.  The winning team were all highschoolers.  So we were very pleased.  She has so much more confidence with public speaking now!  She says she loves it.

My 10 year old son didn't really want to join this year.  He took his pet rabbit last year and got an A for breed and an A for showmanship.   We told him he had to go to the meetings anyway, since we were all going.  So he decided to take Radio Controlled cars.  Now he is very excited about the project and can't wait to get started!  He was cruising on Ebay for a new vehicle the other night.  He has had to get up in front of the club to give a demonstration (they all do).  But, he was very nervous.  So they let my daughter go up with him and they did it together.

My other two, ages 8 and 5, are in Cloverbuds, which is the program for little kids K-grade 2.  I help with that too.  They do crafts and learing things.

I must say a couple of things.  First, I loved 4-H when I was in it.  I learned SO much that I have been able to use throughout my life.  It helped with interview skills, writing, public speaking, your project interest areas, leadership skills, cooperation and so many more things that I can't even name them all!  I can see my kids expanding their learning already too.  Second, the regular club meetings are just the beginning.  To get the most out of 4-H you need to be willing to get involved with things beyond the local club too.  They offer trips, exchange students, contests, Jr Leader and Jr Fairboard when the kids are older.

I don't mean to overwhelm you though.  Her first few years may be spent in the local club doing community service, taking a project,  learning and having fun.  I do agree that the right leaders will be the ones that are the most helpful.  Usually there are several clubs that might be close enough for you to join. 

Hope this helps. If you have any specific questions just let me know.  Things are different county to county and state to state.  But, I'll help if I can.    We know lots of other homeschoolers that are in 4-H.  One of the clubs in our county has mostly homeschoolers.      Blessings, Carrie

4-H is very good, if your county office has a motivated 4-H agent.  I actually work in my county extension office and the 4-H coordinator is awesome!  We have a great 4-H program and all the kids who are involved love it. 

I would reccomend signing your kids up for 4-H.  You could talk to the 4-H agent and give suggestions of activities and stuff that your kids are interested in.

My DD did 4H for years, from about age 7 through 15.  She learned many skills, probably most importantly public speaking.  There are many opportunities to present before a group, even at the youngest ages.