Chesapeake 4-H Clubs & Programs

The Chesapeake 4-H program is growing throughout the city. 4-H provides “learn by doing” opportunities for youth to receive “hands on” experiences through work or activities. 4-H is for all youth, both boys and girls between the ages of 5-18.

Chesapeake Growing Gardeners Club: Ages 9-18
This 4H program will teach youth the techniques of planting, caring for and harvesting. 

Chesapeake 4-H Cloverbuds Club: Ages 5-8
This club covers a broad range of topics to meet the interests of the club members. It's a great way to introduce new 4-H'ers and their families to 4-H.

Chesapeake Livestock Cloverbuds Club: Ages 5-8
 In this club, youth will learn how to safely work around lambs, goats, hogs and cattle.   The youth will build their confidence and self-esteem while participating in hands-on learning.

Nature Explorers 4-H Club: Ages 5-8 and 9-18
Join us as we explore and discover the outdoors. Home-schooled youth participate in hands on learning to discover and experience the great outdoors. 

Chesapeake 4-H Horse & Pony Club: Ages 9-18
A horse club promoting horsemanship and equine education. The club focuses on bringing instruction and information to youth interested in horses. Some of the members participate in state, district and southern regional 4-H horse shows, riding Western and English. You do not have to own a horse to participate in this club.

Chesapeake 4-H Livestock Club: Ages 9-18
Youth learn about caring for, raising and showing a market animal (hog, lamb, steer or goat). Youth attend meetings to learn about their chosen livestock projects and exhibit what they have learned at the annual Chesapeake 4-H Livestock Club Show and Sale in May.

Ham Project: Ages 9-18
You do not have to join a 4-H club to participate in the ham project. This project starts in December or January and runs through May. Youth learn how to cure a Virginia-style country ham using some of the same methods early settlers used in Jamestown.

Wild Wings 4-H Club: Ages 9-18
Youth engage in activities to learn about raising and showing a variety of poultry. This is a perfect opportunity for youth who do not live on a farm or in a rural area and have limited space. Members participate in poultry workshops, field trips, poultry shows and leadership roles.

Chesapeake 4-H Dairy Club: Ages 9-18
Youth will gain dairy goat knowledge such as the different breeds of dairy goats, how to make goat cheese, and showing at dairy goat shows. You don’t have to own a goat to join this club.

Junior Stockmen’s Club: Ages 9-18
Join this club to gain knowledge of different cuts of meat, livestock breeds, feeds, hays, equipment and other subjects related to the livestock industry. 4-H’ers involved in this club are tested on their knowledge and ability to identify various objects used within the livestock industry at local, area and state contests.

The Hip Equine 4-H Club: Ages 5-8 and 9-18
This club blends knowledge and skills acquired in hippology, horse judging, quiz bowl, demonstrations and public speaking.  Some of the members participate in local, district and state horse shows.   Owning, leasing or access to a horse is not necessary in order to participate.    

4H Honey Bee Club: Ages 9-18
This club focuses on the art of beekeeping.  Youth will learn about the significance of honey bees and how they support agriculture in our community.     

Junior Summer Camp: Ages 9-18 (Cancelled)

To protect the health and well-being of 4-H campers and the general public, in-person Virginia 4-H summer camps, both residential and day, are cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Anyone that has made a deposit or payment will receive a full refund.   Campers and their families will be notified as we finalize the process.   

However, you do not have to join a 4-H club to participate in the junior summer camp. Chesapeake registers campers for a camp week during the summer months at the Airfield 4-H Educational Center. Airfield offers canoeing, crafts, swimming and much more. Opportunities offered for campers, Counselors-in-Training (CITs) and Counselors.

For additional information on any of the clubs or activities listed, please contact Jocelyn Pearson, Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development, at 757-382-6612 or jddailey@vt.edu or the Chesapeake Extension Office at 757-382-6348.

*If you have interest in other activities or clubs that you do not see here, or would like someone to come and speak to your youth, please contact Jocelyn Pearson.