Maricopa County Project Information

Each 4-H member will have an opportunity to select one or more projects to learn about during the year. A project is simply a topic, or subject, the member wants to explore through hands-on, research-based learning experiences. The member will focus on increasing their knowledge and skills on this topic during the year. Projects are completely self-paced, but it is important to complete a project once enrolled. A member may focus on a project over the whole year, or only spend a few months on a specific project. Similarly, a member may choose to explore the same topic for many years, gaining a real, in-depth knowledge of the project. Another member may prefer to explore a wide variety of projects during his/her years in 4-H. With nearly 70 projects available, there is something to interest every child.

Cloverbuds is a 4-H program for youth ages 5 to 7 years old.  The Cloverbud program is designed to be an introduction to 4-H with age appropriate activities. Some clubs will allow Cloverbuds to participate in their regular activities, but have no special Cloverbud meeting. Other clubs have special meetings for Cloverbuds and often use older members to help mentor these young members. Members will explore hands-on and discovery-oriented learning activities which may include livestock, gardening, cooking, crafts, etc.  All activities are non-competitive.  Any 4-H club/group may organize a Cloverbuds 4-H group.  Cloverbuds can also be part of an existing 4-H club. 

How is the Cloverbud program different?

  • It is activity based and uses a variety of short-term experiences .
  • Activities are often done in small groups versus doing activities alone .
  • These children are full 4-H members and can participate in a wide range of programs and activities . However, because research has shown that competition at this age is detrimental, Cloverbud members are not allowed to participate in competitive events.
  • County and State Fairs are open to participation for 4-H Cloverbuds, but for exhibit only. Children can exhibit work completed in their 4-H Cloverbud clubs for participation only. 
  • Special consideration must be given to ensure the safety of 4-H Cloverbud-aged children,
  • The activities are designed at their age level.
  • Animals can serve as an excellent medium for 4-H Cloverbud curriculum, although because of program objectives, safety, liability, and issues of competition, 4-H Cloverbud members may not have direct contact or control of animals at any 4-H activities.

Clubs

These clubs offer Cloverbuds:

   Barn Buddies 4-H
   Buena Vista Mavericks 4-H
   Coyote 4-H
   Glendale 4-H
   Grace 4-H
   Laveen Pathfinders 4-H
   Maricopa 4-H Cloggers
   Odyssey 4-H
   Red Mountain 4-H
   Rough Wranglers 4-H
   Waddell Hoofprints 4-H
   Wild West 4-H

Project Materials

Contact the Maricopa County 4-H Office at 602-827-8275.
 

Youth will learn the basics of animals care for dogs, which includes selection, proper care, grooming and feeding.  Youth will also learn about the nutritional needs, the reproductive cycle and how to train their animal.  The project will teach youth the responsibilities of having an animal, the importance of keeping accurate records and the value of citizenship, sportsmanship and cooperation. Disciplines include Animal Care,  Agility, Obedience and Guide Dog. Access all dog curriculum under Companion Animals.

Clubs

These clubs offer the Dog Project:

   Buena Vista Mavericks 4-H
   Glendale 4-H
   Queen Creek 4-H
   Waddell Hoofprints 4-H

Project Materials

Dog Committee

The Dog Committee puts on educational and showmanship clinics, as well as good citizenship trainings. This helps prepare youth for state and county dog shows. The Dog Committee has a board consisting of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary with an adult and youth member from each club that has a Dog Project, also participating.  We are always looking for more clubs and youth to get involved in the Dog Project!
Questions?

Contact Valerie Gabrielson at gabrielsonv@arizona.edu. 

Youth will develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance, sportsmanship, and other desirable character traits, as well as an appreciation of horse well-being and proper horsemanship with or without a physical horse.  Youth will experience the pride and the responsibilities of owning/leasing a horse.  Youth will also learn good horsemanship and an understanding of proper management for nutrition, raising, daily care, and training horses.  The horse project will provide an opportunity for youth to observe and learn through participation and observation, to accept constructive criticisms and learn new ways of training and caring for animals and provide an opportunity for educational experiences through county, area, and state functions.

Explore all horse curriculum
 

Clubs Offering Horse Projects

  •  Buena Vista Mavericks
  • Coyote 4-H
  • Desert Hills Wranglers
  • Lehi Ranch
  • Queen Creek
  • Rough Wranglers
  • Waddell Hoofprints

Project Materials

Project Calendar of Events

Gymkhana
 

Saturday, Jan 11, 2025 – KK Ranch (Lehi area)

Saturday, Feb 8, 2025 – KK Ranch (Lehi area)

Saturday, March 8, 2025—Oasis Healing and Equestrian Center” 2124 E Oasis St, Mesa, 85213 (Lehi Area)

FINALS: Friday, April 25, 2025 - John Volken Academy/Welcome Home Ranch

English & Western

Sunday, October 20, 2024 @ Erica Owen's arena in North Valley

Saturday, November 2, 2024 @ BVM

3. Saturday, December 14, 2024 @ BVM

4. Saturday, January 18, 2025 @ BVM

5. FINALS: Saturday, April 26, 2025 - John Volken Academy/Welcome Home Ranch

Team Sorting 

Saturday, Nov 16, 2024 – Rockin A Ranch (Queen Creek area). We will have a clinic in the morning, then the Sorting to follow.

Saturday, Dec 7, 2024 – Rockin A Ranch (Queen Creek area). We will have a clinic in the morning, then the Sorting to follow.

Friday, Jan 24, 2025 – Rockin A Ranch (Queen Creek area)

Friday, Feb 28, 2025 – Rockin A Ranch (Queen Creek area)

FINALS: April 18, 2025 - Rockin A Ranch

Legend:

* Welcome Home Ranch, 26601 S Val Vista Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85298

* BVR - Buena Vista Ranchos Community Arena, 8603 S. Terrace Road., Tempe, AZ 85284

* Rockin A - Rockin A Arena 25807 S. Grapefruit Drive, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Horse Committee

The County 4-H Horse Program is dependent on volunteers and clubs to provide leadership for events and competitions. The committee consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary along with an adult and youth member from each club that has a Horse Project. This committee provides input, oversight, support, and leadership by putting on educational clinics, shows/events. The disciplines we offer are English, Western, Gymkhana, Roping, and Ranch Sorting. The committee meets, via zoom, the third Monday of the month at 6:00pm and is always looking for more adult volunteers and youth!

Contact Caroline Werkhoven at cwerkhoven@arizona.edu. 

he purpose of the 4-H Shooting Sports Program is to promote positive youth development through the safe and responsible use of archery equipment, pneumatic arms and firearms.  Education is the foundation of our program.  4-H Shooting Sports strives to integrate education, recreational and competitive program elements by working with families to develop a passion for the sporting traditions of archery and marksmanship. The most visible aspect of our shooting sports program, but not the most important, is the element of competition that allows youth to exhibit their skills, develop goals, and engage in a social environment where they can interact with other youth and caring adults. 

The 4-H Shooting Sports Program seeks to create a "spark" within youth to increase their opportunities to participate in STEM-oriented lessons, develop healthy lifestyles, as well as engage in civic life and leadership roles through participation in classes taught by highly qualified, caring, certified adult volunteers. 4-H Shooting Sports projects vary by county and availability of certified instructors, however, courses currently available include Archery (recurve and compound), Hunting Skills / Outdoors Exploration, Muzzleloader, Pistol (air and smallbore), Rifle (air and smallbore), Shotgun and Western Heritage. View information about each discipline.

Youth ages 8-19 years old are eligible to participate in our program.  Junior (8-10 years old) and Intermediate (11-13 years old) 4-H members are eligible for all in-state instructional, recreational and competitive events except Western Heritage matches.  Please see the Western Heritage discipline page for additional information.  Senior members (14-19 years old) are eligible to participate in all in-state events, as well as National events, if they place in the top four of the specified discipline during a state Nationals qualification match.

These clubs offer Shooting Sports projects: 

  • Chandler Hot Shots 4-H  - Air Pistol and Rifle, Archery, Hunting Skills, Muzzleloader, Shotgun, Small Bore Pistol and Rifle, Western Heritage
  • Desert Hills Wranglers 4-H- Archery, Air Rifle, Hunting Skills, Shotgun
  • Firebird 4-H- Archery, Hunting, Muzzleloading, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun
  • Glendale 4-H - Air Pistol and Rifle, Small Bore Pistol and Rifle
  • Rough Wranglers 4-H -
  • Waddell Hoofprints 4-H - 

The Shooting Sports Committee puts on county shoots to help prepare youth for state competitions. The main disciplines we offer include Archery, Pistol, Muzzleloading, Shotgun, and Rifle. The Committee has a board consisting of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary with an adult and youth member from each club that has a Shooting Sports Project, also participating. Typically the committee meets, via Zoom, the Second Thursday of the month at 7:00pm. We are always looking for more clubs and youth to get involved in the various Shooting Sports Projects!

Contact Jenna Mennetti at jsmennetti@arizona.edu. 

Youth will participate in small animal projects such as Cavy, Rabbit, Poultry, Dairy Goats. From these  projects youth will engage in activities that expand their knowledge on animal care, husbandry, nutrition, financial literacy, showmanship, meat marketing quality assurance, and careers in agriculture. Youth can participate in county fairs, tribal fairs, and other small animal showing opportunities.  Disciplines include Cavy, Pigeon, Poultry, Pygmy Goat, Rabbit and other. View all small animal curriculum.

Clubs

These clubs offer Small Stock projects:

   Barn Buddies 4-H
   Coyote 4-H
   Desert Hill Wranglers 4-H
   Glendale 4-H
   Grace 4-H
   Laveen 4-H
   Laveen Pathfinders 4-H
   Odyssey 4-H
   Queen Creek 4-H
   Red Mountain 4-H
   Rough Wranglers 4-H
   San Tan 4-H
   Waddell Hoofprints 4-H
   Wild West 4-H

Project Materials

Small Stock Committee

The Small Stock Committee puts on educational and showmanship clinics throughout the year to get youth ready for fairs and shows. Every March, the committee hosts a state-wide Showmanship Competition to enable youth to prepare for county fair in April. The Small Stock Committee has a board consisting of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary with an adult and youth member from each club. Our meetings are typically held on the third Thursday of each month.
Questions?

Contact Jenna Mennetti at jsmennetti@arizona.edu or contact the Committee at maricopa4hsmallstock@gmail.com. 
 

Youth will participate in large animal projects such as Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goat, and Dairy. From these projects youth will engage in activities that expand their knowledge on animal care, husbandry, nutrition, financial literacy, showmanship, meat marketing quality assurance, and careers in agriculture. Youth can participate in county fairs, tribal fairs, Arizona National Livestock shows, and other livestock showing opportunities. Disciplines include Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goat, Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goat and other. View all curriculum for livestock.

Clubs

These clubs offer Livestock projects:

   Barn Buddies 4-H
   Desert Hills Wranglers 4-H
   Grace 4-H
   Laveen 4-H
   Laveen Pathfinders 4-H
   Lehi Ranch 4-H
   Odyssey 4-H
   Queen Creek 4-H
   Red Mountain 4-H
   Rough Wranglers 4-H
   San Tan 4-H
   Waddell Hoofprints 4-H

Project Materials

Livestock Committee

The Livestock Committee puts on educational and showmanship clinics which prepares youth for livestock shows and fairs. The  Livestock Committee has a board consisting of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary with an adult and youth member from each club that has a Livestock Project, also participating. Committee Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month. The Committee is always looking for more adult volunteers and youth to get involved in the Livestock Project!
Questions?

Contact Valerie Gabrielson at gabrielsonv@arizona.edu. 
 

STEM stands for Science, Technology Engineering, and Math.  Maricopa County has many STEM opportunities. The primary objective of STEM projects is to gain proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on experiences, learn how to identify a problem and work to create innovative solutions, engage in design skills, planning/organizing, communication, problem solving, teamwork, marketable skills, and emphasize 4-H ethic of learning to learn., incorporate the scientific method in learning critical thinking skills., understand and use cutting-edge technology, and navigate through the design and fabrication process. To see a complete listing of projects across the state visit 4-H STEM YOUniveristy.

  • Environmental Education
  • Outdoor Education
  • Technology and Engineering

Projects

  • STEM Saturdays: Every month this class will meet to challenge youth with a different STEM related topic. Participants will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills through the use of science, technology, engineering and math. STEM Saturdays are open to youth age 8-18, so invite your friends. You can participate in just one or even all the Saturdays offered. Location and time will vary.
  • Underwater Robotics: Underwater robotics refers to the creation and operation of robotic systems designed for underwater exploration and tasks. These robots, also known as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), are integral components of hands-on learning experiences. This program offers a captivating pathway for students to explore the principles of robotics and engineering in the context of marine exploration and technology.
  • Lego Robotics: This process goes beyond just assembling bricks. As students bring their Lego creations to life, they will deepen their programming know-how, problem-solving abilities, and team collaboration. Learning will be divided into two groups of more experienced coders and beginners.
  • Drones: Students will learn the rules and regulations for recreational drone operation. They will be guided on preparation for taking the TRUST certification exam, the official test needed to fly drones legally. Throughout their experience, youth will get to pilot drones and apply their new expertise with these exciting technologies.
  • Rocketry: Unleash your creativity as we delve into designing and constructing rockets, all while pondering questions, like how to overcome the substantial challenges associated with interplanetary travel. Students will explore and apply science and mathematics ideas/tools, as well as their understanding of the principles governing motion, to craft a unique and specialized spacecraft.
  • Cross Reality: Embark on a groundbreaking journey through our Cross-Reality project. This innovative program fuses virtual and hands-on learning, allowing you to construct and manage ideas from your laptop. . Cross-Reality revolutionizes the learning process. Immerse yourself in this blended model of imagination and action. Join us as we cultivate the next generation of engineers, and problem solvers building a brighter tomorrow!
  • STEM and Ag Ambassadors: The 4-H STEM and Ag Ambassador Project in conjunction with the Chief Science Officer program empowers 6th-12th grade students to develop leadership abilities while making a difference in their communities through STEM or Ag education and outreach. As a STEM or Ag Ambassador, you will:
    • Attend virtual training workshops to build skills in areas like leadership, civic engagement, and STEM activities facilitation
    • Collaborate with teen leaders across Arizona counties and tribal nations
    • Plan and deliver STEM workshops for youth and community members in your county
    • Help foster passion for science, technology, engineering and math in your region!

Clubs

  • Coyote 4-H
  • Glendale 4-H
  • Queen Creek 4-H

General Projects Committee

The General Projects Committee puts on educational and showmanship clinics throughout the year to get youth ready for General Project's Day at County Fair.  This committee urgently needs adult volunteers and youth member participation and meets, via zoom, on the fourth Wednesday each month at 6:00pm.

Contact Valerie Gabrielson at gabrielsonv@arizona.edu with questions about the program.

General Projects is a term we use to describe all non-animal projects. Descriptions of some of these projects can be found in Cloverbuds, STEM, and Healthy Living Projects. Other project opportunities include Agricultural Education, Entomology, Horticulture, Dance, Performing Arts, Arts and Crafts, Fine Art, Sewing, Photography, Fiber Arts, Personal Development, Child Development, Financial Management, Leadership and Public Speaking. View all 4-H curriculum.

Clubs

These clubs offer General Projects:

   Barn Buddies
   Buena Vista Mavericks 4-H
   Coyote 4-H
   Discovery
   Firebird
   Glendale 4-H
   Grace
   Laveen Pathfinders
   Lehi Ranch 4-H
   Maricopa Cloggers
   New River Buck-A-Roos
   Odyssey
   Rough Wranglers 4-H
   Waddell Hoofprints 4-H
   Wild West

General Projects Committee

The General Projects Committee puts on educational and showmanship clinics throughout the year to get youth ready for General Project's Day at County Fair. This committee urgently needs adult volunteers and youth member participation and meets, via zoom, on the fourth Wednesday each month at 6:00pm.
Questions?

Contact Valerie Gabrielson at gabrielsonv@arizona.edu.