Factors Influencing 4-H Club Enrollment and Retention in Georgia

Middle school aged 4-H member participation is on the decline across the nation. Research has identified reasons for declining 4-H club participation, including conflicting time commitments (with school and community activities) and opinions that the program was boring or for little kids. This study sought to gain a clearer understanding of why 4-H member involvement in Camden County, Georgia has steadily declined in recent years. The most prevalent reason listed for leaving the Camden County 4-H program was that the 4-H meeting conflicted with school and community activities. Other reasons listed included wanting to be with friends in a relaxed setting, not liking the activities and lessons at the special interest club meetings, and not feeling welcome in the 4-H club meetings. The 4-H members who continued with the program had 100% parental involvement – the number one indicator of continued 4-H participation.