San Saba County 4-H clubs are gearing up for a new year. Here are some frequently asked questions about 4-H to help youth and their parents understand what 4-H is all about.

Who can join 4-H? Youth are eligible to participate in 4-H if they are 8 and in the third grade and have not reached their 19th birthday on or before August 31, 2010.

How do I join? Youth need to fill out a 4-H enrollment form at the County Extension Office or at a 4-H Club Meeting. This puts you on the mailing list. Once on the mailing list, you will receive the monthly 4-H newsletter. The newsletter has information about 4-H club meetings, 4-H activities and events. You can choose to participate in anything you would like to do.

Can I be home-schooled and be a member of 4-H? Yes.

Are there dues? There are no dues for being a 4-H member. However, the projects you choose to do can cost money. For example if you want to participate in the Foods & Nutrition project, you will need to pay a registration fee of $10.00. If you decide to enter the County Food Show, you will need to purchase the groceries to prepare your dish. If you decide you want to do the Horse Play Days, you will need to have a horse.

As a 4-H member what do I do? You need to attend the monthly 4-H meetings each month (usually September through April/May). At the 4-H meetings you will meet and make new friends, learn things and hear about upcoming projects and activities you can do. You will also want to do at least one project. Some of the projects could include: Food & Nutrition, Lamb, Goat, Swine, Beef, Photography, Clothing, Shooting Sports, Archery, etc.

Can I just join in September? NO. Youth may join anytime although the majority of youth start in September.

Do some projects have special requirements? Yes. Both archery and shooting sports have safety classes that have to be attended before a youth can participate in the practice sessions. The safety classes are generally offered only once a year. The 4-H Vet Science Project has open enrollment in June.

Where do I go for additional information about 4-H? Call the County Extension Office at 372-5416 or look on the website http://san-saba-tx.tamu.edu.