National 4-H Week
October 4, 2026 - October 10, 2026
For more than 100 years, 4-H has inspired families, shaped careers, and impacted communities. From October 4-10, we will celebrate the impact of 4‑H during National 4‑H Week. The theme of this year’s National 4-H Week is “Beyond Ready.” This theme celebrates how 4-H is building a ready generation in a world of change, equipping youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today.
This year, National 4-H Council is asking the 4-H network to activate around three different initiatives.
Monday, October 5: Go Green!
On Monday of National 4-H Week, Go GREEN and show your 4-H State spirit! A simple, cohesive way for youth, professionals, volunteers, alumni & supporters across the country to celebrate their 4-H programs being Beyond Ready. Wear a green hat, clothing, face paint— anything green goes. Let’s paint the nation GREEN, on Monday, October 5! Share your ‘Go Green’ moment on social and tag National 4-H, your State 4-H program, and use: #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek.
Thursday, October 8: Thankful Thursday
On Thursday of National 4-H Week, help us shine a light on all the mentors, educators and volunteers who are making positive impact on you people’s lives in 4-H. Share who you’re thankful for and celebrate how they are making a difference on Thursday, October 8! Share your ‘Thankful’ story on social, tag others in your 4-H community, tag National 4-H and use: #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek.
Tuesday, October 6 - Friday, October 9: Raise Your Hand for 4-H
Alumni across the country are raising their hands to show how 4-H shaped their lives. Self-identify as a 4-H alum, share your location and your story, and help us turn the country green by filling in the national map. Help Michigan become the state that has the most alumni raising their hands for 4-H!
Other Ideas
Here are some other ideas of how you can celebrate 4-H in your community!
- Join Michigan 4-H Alumni & Friends — Were you involved in 4-H as a youth, volunteer or parent? Do you support 4-H and what it does for Michigan youth? If 4‑H has been part of your life—or if you simply care about helping young people thrive—you’re invited to join the Michigan 4-H Alumni and Friends network to get connected by the clover!
- Wear Your 4‑H Gear — Nothing says 4‑H pride like a 4‑H tee! Dress yourself (or the entire family – pets included!) in 4‑H clover gear.
- Shout-Out a 4‑H’er — Recognize the hard work and dedication of 4‑H’ers by shouting out one youth or an entire club on social media, in a local newspaper or other media.
- Storefront Displays/Information Booths — In some communities, you can ask local businesses to display 4‑H posters, flyers, showcase the work of 4-H'ers, or host a table to share information about your local 4‑H program.
- Become a 4‑H Volunteer —If you are a 4‑H alum, parent or recent 4-H ‘graduate’, you might be looking for ways to connect with 4‑H. Consider giving your time to a local 4‑H program by becoming a volunteer.
- Share Your 4‑H Story — Take to social media to share a 4‑H memory, express how 4‑H shaped who you are today, describe what 4‑H means to you, post an old 4‑H photo, or shout-out your 4‑H club.
- Have a 4‑H Reunion — Gather your old 4‑H friends and spend some time together reminiscing on your 4‑H experience or recreate a 4‑H project together!
- Raise Awareness – On October 7, the Michigan 4-H Foundation and MSU Extension will be hosting the fourth Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol. Join this exciting education and awareness event to help elevate knowledge of Michigan 4-H and share the impact of its programming across Michigan. Learn more online.
- Give Back — Local programs are always looking for resources to continue growing 4-H for the future. Help programs thrive by making a donation that can help support your county 4-H program.
Adapted from National 4-H Council.
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