SLV 4-H: Growing the Next Generation of Leaders in the San Luis Valley

Across the San Luis Valley, the familiar green four-leaf clover of 4-H represents far more than ribbons and county fair projects. For generations, 4-H has helped young people develop practical skills, leadership abilities, and a strong sense of responsibility while staying connected to the Valley’s agricultural heritage.

Local 4-H programs are coordinated through Colorado State University Extension, which operates county extension offices across the San Luis Valley. Through these programs, youth ages 8–18 can participate in hands-on learning experiences that build confidence and real-world knowledge. Younger children can also take part through Cloverbud programs designed to introduce the basics of 4-H in a fun and supportive environment.

Many Valley residents are most familiar with 4-H through livestock projects showcased at county fairs each summer. Young members spend months raising and caring for animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, and poultry. Along the way they learn responsibility, record keeping, animal health, and public speaking as they present their projects in the show ring.

However, livestock is only one part of what 4-H offers. Members can also participate in projects such as gardening, photography, cooking, sewing, robotics, woodworking, shooting sports, and community service. These programs help youth explore new interests while developing problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Throughout the year, local 4-H clubs meet in towns across the San Luis Valley, bringing young people together with volunteer leaders and mentors who guide them through their projects. Many members also participate in leadership workshops, competitions, and service activities that benefit their communities.

For many families in the Valley, involvement in 4-H becomes a multi-generation tradition — one that helps prepare young people for future careers in agriculture, science, business, and community leadership.

How to Join 4-H in the San Luis Valley

Joining 4-H is open to youth throughout the region. Families can enroll online through the Colorado 4-H enrollment system or by contacting their local CSU Extension office. Most members join a local 4-H club in their county where they meet regularly with other youth and volunteer leaders.

Alamosa County CSU Extension
8900 Independence Way, Alamosa, CO 81101
(719) 589-2553

Rio Grande County CSU Extension
1776 6th St., Del Norte, CO 81132
(719) 657-3321

Saguache County CSU Extension
505 3rd St., Saguache, CO 81149
(719) 655-2537

Extension offices can help families find a local club, learn about available projects, and guide new members through the enrollment process.

Supporting Local Youth: The SLV 4-H Endowment

The San Luis Valley 4-H Endowment helps ensure that future generations of Valley youth will continue to have access to the opportunities 4-H provides.

The endowment supports local 4-H programs by helping fund youth leadership programs, scholarships for 4-H members, educational workshops and camps, and support for project materials and training opportunities.

Donations to the endowment help strengthen youth development programs across the San Luis Valley and help ensure that financial barriers do not prevent young people from participating.

The endowment represents a long-term investment in the Valley’s future — helping ensure that the values of leadership, responsibility, and community service continue to grow in the next generation. To learn more about SLV Area Extension Youth programs, the endowment, or how to contribute, call Larry Brown at 719-852-7381.

Did You Know?

4-H is the largest youth development organization in the United States, reaching millions of young people through hands-on learning programs.

The organization’s well-known motto, “To Make the Best Better,” reflects the spirit of improvement, learning, and community service that continues to guide 4-H members in the San Luis Valley today.