For many families across our region, the name “4H” is familiar — but what exactly does it mean? Is it part of Penn State? Is it agriculture? Is it STEM? And perhaps most importantly, what can 4H bring to Lackawanna County?
As interest in youth programs grows, this is the perfect time to highlight what 4H offers and how it strengthens our community.
What is 4H?
4H is the largest youth development organization in the United States. Its mission reaches far beyond farm fields: today’s 4H programs empower young people through hands-on learning in agriculture, science, healthy living, the arts, environmental exploration and civic engagement. The goal is simple: help youth reach their fullest potential through the power of “learning by doing.”
Who organizes 4H?
4H is a partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and our nation’s LandGrant Universities. In Pennsylvania, that LandGrant institution is Penn State University. Through Penn State Extension, 4H programs are delivered in every county, including right here in Lackawanna.
Who can join 4H?
Youth ages 5-18 can participate. Cloverbuds, designed for ages 5-7, focus on social development and exploration in a flexible, noncompetitive environment.
Beginning at age 8, members can join clubs, work on skill-building projects, and dive deeper into areas that interest them.
The name “4H” comes from its four core values:
Head: Clearer thinking and sound decision-making.
Heart: Greater loyalty, empathy and strong values.
Hands: Larger service, leadership and practical skills.
Health: Better living, wellness and personal development.
Together, these four principles build confident, capable, community-minded young people.
What makes Lackawanna County 4H unique?
Because Lackawanna County is largely urban, our program focuses on life skills, service, creativity and community connection. Rather than relying solely on traditional agricultural clubs, we offer opportunities that reflect the needs and interests of our youth while celebrating the vibrant resources of our county.
Club offerings include: Sewing, Discovery Cow, Plant Club, Craft Club, Working Dog, Cross Stitch, The Little Farmer, Carpentry, Fishing and several Cooking Clubs. Each club meets at different times and locations, giving families flexibility and variety.
Partnerships are a hallmark of Lackawanna County 4H. Our youth learn and explore alongside community partners such as the Abington Community Library, Carbondale Library, North Pocono Library, Valley Community Library, Everhart Museum, Lackawanna State Park, the Greenhouse Project and Johnson College.
In addition to clubs, 4H offers day events designed to let youth try something new without a long-term commitment. These popular hands-on programs include STEM activities, hiking days, monarch butterfly workshops, art sessions, plant camps and family planting events.
How to join
Families can register at 4h.zsuite.org — the online hub for 4H enrollment, club selection and event signups. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the Lackawanna County Penn State Extension office at extension.psu.edu/lackawanna-county.
Whether a child loves science, cooking, animals, art, nature or simply trying new things, Lackawanna County 4H offers a welcoming place to grow. It’s more than an activity — it’s a community investing in its youth, one project at a time.
Kristin Armstrong is a Penn State Extension 4-H Educator in Lackawanna County.