4-H is a non-profit, global network of youth organizations with a mission of “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.”
Photo by Julie Scott
4-H is a nationwide organization with a long history on the island, consisting of clubs focused on a particular topic area related to agriculture, STEM, healthy living, or civic engagement.
Martha’s Vineyard 4-H is committed to helping youth grow and develop by offering accessible, volunteer-run clubs for kids ages 5 to 18. We prioritize hands-on, alternative learning, healthy curiosity, and community-building. Through their 4-H club, youth are able to meet new communities on the island, gain new skills, and understand the positive impact they can have on the world around them.
Martha’s Vineyard 4-H also offers its volunteers and leaders a way to give back to their community and share their passions and knowledge with youth—to create the kinds of spaces they wish they had as a kid.
If you have any questions about 4-H, please contact Lucy Grinnan at 4H@mvagsoc.org.
Current Vineyard 4-H Clubs
We currently have eleven 4-H clubs active on the island. We are not currently keeping a waitlist due to the large quantity of requests, but open signups in our online store twice a year: in late September/early October and in late January/early February.
The FARM Institute Cloverbuds (ages 5–7), led by Melissa Schellhammer
Seashore Explorers (ages 5–7), led by MV Shellfish Group Staff
The Slough Farm Super Silos (ages 8–10), led by Slough Farm staff
Winging It! (ages 8–11), led by Sheriff’s Meadow staff
Horse and Horsemanship Club (ages 8–12), led by Sam Look
Crafts of Yesteryear Club (ages 9–12), led by MV Museum staff
Paint Club (ages 9–12), led by Allen and Lynne Whiting
The Katama Cowpokes (ages 11–13), led by Carole Soule and Bruce Dawson
Just a Pinch Baking Club (ages 12–15), led by Elizabeth Bonifacio
Club memberships are typically $40/year. In 2023, we are partially subsidizing memberships, so they will cost $10/kid/year.
Want to volunteer or lead a group?
We look forward to watching these programs grow and creating a great experience for our island youth. We hope to see the Vineyard become home to a budding 4-H community. Ideally adding new clubs focused on sewing, mechanics, poultry, woodworking, archery, cooking, dogs, rabbits, fishing, knitting, nature…you name it! If you have the time and skills to start a club, we can help find members. Remember the agricultural hall and grounds are available for any club use.
Email 4H@mvagsoc.org and we will walk you through the steps of becoming an official 4-H volunteer! We would love to have you join us.
