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4-H Youth Development

Independent Members

Kansas 4-H believes that participation in an Organized 4-H Club is the preferred method of involvement for members, but acknowledges there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that may make Independent 4-H Membership a viable way to still engage in 4-H Youth Development learning.

This mode of learning that occurs independently of a formal group setting. It might be individual, in a pair, or a family learning effort. It includes self-directed learning, usually with limited adult involvement except for parents (or a mentor). Examples include self-study, home study courses, advanced placement courses, mentoring or shadowing with an “expert,” or entire families learning together.

Any youth who wishes to be an Independent 4-H Member must complete an Individualized Study Agreement, which must be reviewed and approved.