James City County 4-H

I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
4-H is the youth development program of Virginia Cooperative Extension, an innitiative dating back to 1914 as a partnership between Virginia’s two land grant universities: Virginia Tech and Virginia State University 4-H is rich in experiences where young people partner with caring adults and volunteers to participate in a variety of activities in which they "learn by doing." Youth ages 5-18 participate in Virginia 4-H.
The mission of 4-H is to assist youth, and adults working with those youth, to gain additional knowledge, life skills, and attitudes that will further their development as self-directing, contributing, and productive members of society. Our vision is to create a world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change.
In James City County, our 4-H program offers a wide range of opportunities for youth ages 5–18 to explore their interests, build leadership skills, and serve their communities—always through our “learn by doing” approach. Our local 4-H program is delivered in many different ways to meet the needs of youth and families:
- 4-H Clubs (Project, SPIN, and Community)
- 4-H Camps (Day Camps & Overnight)
- In-School Enrichment Programs & Activities
- Homeschool 4-H
- 4-H Travel Opportunities
No matter the setting—club meeting, campfire circle, classroom, or conference—4-H helps youth grow into leaders who are smarter, wiser, kinder, and more capable. Everything we do reflects the 4-H motto: “To make the best better!”
In James City County, 4-H indeed Grows Here, cultivating a fertile ground for the youth to thrive academically, cognitively, and physically." - WJCC Community Leader, 2024