Tyrrell County Center

407 Martha St, Columbia NC, 27925 (252) 796-1581

Today:

Our office may experience temporary closures due to limited staffing. To ensure someone is available to assist you, please call 252-796-1581 before stopping by. We appreciate your understanding.

What is 4-H?

4-H is the Cooperative Extension System’s dynamic and educational program for youth. 4-H has about 6 million youth members across the United States. The name 4-H is summarized as the four-fold development of youth through the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. In 4-H, young people complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. The group is open to youth between the ages of 5 and 18. Young people experience 4-H in every county in the country!

View more at National 4-H Council!

Enrollment 4-H Clubs Monthly 4-H Programs 4-H Livestock Show

Program Areas:

STEM & Agriculture

4-H science programs give youth meaningful opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through interactive, hands-on activities and projects that spark curiosity and encourage discovery. Participants engage in real-world learning experiences such as conducting experiments, designing and building projects, exploring robotics and coding, and investigating environmental and agricultural science. By learning through doing, youth develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how STEM concepts apply to everyday life. Guided by supportive mentors and volunteers, 4-H members build confidence, creativity, and leadership while developing the knowledge and skills that prepare them for future academic and career opportunities in STEM fields.

4-H youth working on an electric project as her 4-H club leader observes.

Healthy Living

4-H Healthy Living programs empower youth to lead balanced lives by promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being through engaging, hands-on experiences and supportive mentorship. Participants explore topics such as nutrition, fitness, stress management, mindfulness, and healthy decision-making, learning practical skills they can apply in their daily lives. These programs encourage youth to set personal goals, develop positive habits, and build resilience while fostering self-confidence and leadership. By focusing on the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—4-H Healthy Living programs help young people make informed choices, navigate challenges, and cultivate lifelong wellness practices that contribute to their overall growth and success.

Civic Engagement

4-H Civic Engagement programs empower young people to become informed, active citizens who make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world around them by providing hands-on experiences in leadership, service, and social responsibility. Participants explore topics such as community service, public policy, volunteerism, advocacy, and civic problem-solving, learning how their actions can create positive change. Through collaborative projects, youth develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills while gaining a deeper understanding of civic processes and community needs. Guided by mentors and adult volunteers, 4-H members cultivate a sense of responsibility, empathy, and empowerment, preparing them to be engaged, thoughtful leaders who contribute to the well-being and improvement of society.

4-H'er pictured with the Tyrrell County Commissioners.

How Do I Get Started?

Ready to get involved in 4-H? Enroll through 4-HOnline 2.0, choose a project that interests you, sign up for a workshop, or stop by the Tyrrell County Cooperative Extension Center to speak with Emilou Spruill, our 4-H Youth Development Agent, about how to get started. Enrollment in North Carolina 4-H is free; however, many of our programs and workshops have an associated fee.