How to Determine Your 4-H Team's Structure?

Clubs begin with a caring coach(s) that has an interest first in helping youth and often in teaching them a specific skill set. Skills taught may focus on a specific project or on a specific membership age, such as Cloverbuds or Teens. For new 4-H clubs, this is the first factor in determining the team's structure. You must answer these questions to begin to frame your 4-H team:

Your 4-H team is a reflection of players' interests and coaches skills.

1. What will be your membership makeup?
   Will you focus on Cloverbuds, project members, teens or a combination of all interests and needs? The number of club advisors working with the membership will play a big role in determining the number of youth your club can successfully manage.
2. What project will you offer?
   Will your 4-H club focus on a specific project or a variety of projects? Which projects can you most effectively engage youth in positive learning experiences? Which projects fit better in a different club? What projects are you willing to add with the addition of new club advisors?
3. How often will your club meet?
   Will the club meet year round or only for part of the year? Do you plan to have monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly meetings? How often your club meets will depend upon your club advisors time commitment, but should also involve your membership. The Ohio 4-H Club Charter outlines having a sequence of learning experiences for members and your county may have a minimum club meeting requirement.

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4. Where should your club hold meetings?
   Some common locations include:
• Homes or Farms
• City, Township or Fire Departments
• Community Centers
• Libraries
• Schools or Churches
• Businesses

Regardless of the meeting site, choose accessible locations that do not limit participation due to fear of physical or emotional harm or because the membership is not comfortable with the chosen site. Involve your membership in selecting meeting site(s) and review reducing risks for your club to minimize problems.

5. How will members learn and have fun through your club?
   A variety of Learning the 4-H Way experiences should be included in your 4-H Club's Plan for the year. Some activities you and your 4-H team may choose to include:
• Community Service
• Field Trips / Tours / Guest Speakers
• Public Speaking
• Social / Recreational
• Health / Safety
• Promotion / Recruitment
• Project Learning
• Teambuilding and Leadership
• Skillathons / Project Judging
• Quality Assurance
• Fair Exhibition
• Camp

By answering these questions up front, you can best serve your 4-H membership and be on the right path to team success.

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