What are Projects? 

In 4-H we believe in learning by doing. As such Projects are ways for kids to learn about that project by getting hands on. Whether it be Cooking or Swine your child will learn in a fun and experience based environment. 

What Projects can my child do ?

You can do as many or as few Projects as you want. Your one time fee covers the cost for most Projects, some will have a minimal fees in addition to that. Livestock Projects require the purchase of Livestock however. Large Livestock Projects are also limited to youth above the age of 9. 

Who runs Projects?

Every Project is run by a state screened adult project leader. They set and teach your kids the skills they need to be successful in that Project. They are assisted by Teen Leaders-older youth that have been in the Project in the Past.

Projects are Hiking, Camping, Drama, Cookies, Cat, Rabbits, Rock Painting, Gardening, Video Production, Poultry, Waterfowl, Cribbage, Sewing,
Dog Care, Guide Dogs, Horse, Ceramic Painting, Crochet, Embroidery, Market Goats, Photography, Market Sheep, Archery,

Projects Categories in Redwood

Livestock & Animals

 Horse - In the horse project you will learn how to care for and handle a horse as well as learn  about horse anatomy and equipment. You will learn to show a horse at the Alameda County Fair whether you have a horse or not. You do not have to own a horse to join. There is no cost for this project unless you are leasing a horse.

Market Sheep - We learn how to pick out, care for and show a market lamb in preparation for the Alameda County Fair. Project commitment starts in April when we purchase our lambs. Meeting dates are not set and can be multiple required meetings a month especially after we have the lambs. The cost for your project can vary depending on the amount you pay for your lamb. You should plan on investing $450 - $500 at a minimum. Lambs are sold at the Alameda County Fair auction and normally result in a profit when there is a successful project.

Guide Dogs for the Blind: Puppy Raising - Learn how to raise a puppy to be a guide dog for a visually impaired person. It is a year round project join any time! No previous dog experience is necessary. Learn grooming, potty training, handling, feeding, and basic training techniques. Once minimum handling objectives are met, apply to receive a puppy to raise from Guide Dogs For the Blind. Or, don't apply, but be a puppy sitter instead. Or join just to learn.
Minimum age to join - 9 Years
Requires heavy parental involvement.

Poultry Project - The poultry project is where you learn about chickens and other members of the poultry family. We study poultry breeds and classes, egg parts, color variety, medications, showmanship practices, and more! We also plan for activities at the Alameda County fair such as exhibiting birds, eggs, and posters and also showing our birds. We even participate in the Avian bowl. We also do showings and presentations at other events.

Life Skills

Sewing - In the Sewing Project, members will be introduced to sewing basics beginning with assembling a personal sewing kit with essential tools and learning hand stitching. Members will progress to learn the parts of a sewing machine and learn to thread the machine and bobbin and run basic stitches. Project participants will have the opportunity to hand-stitch a project for the Holiday Auction as well as create a sewing project to enter in the fair. Necessary materials will be determined by the crafts the members choose to make.

Plastic Canvas - This is a beginning project for members interested in learning about needle crafts. Plastic Canvas is a fun way to make gifts and fun items to trade and treasure. You will learn how to read and follow a pattern and make many useful items for around the house. You will also get to experiment with different colors and textures and enhance your creative side.

Tech - Tech project learn how to start, build, and present, something  using today's technology. Software and hardware projects are available. Meetings are on Wednesdays.

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Outdoor Activities

Hiking Project - Learn about the trails and ecology of several parks in the  Bay area. Good Hiking Practices will be taught and we encourage members to take photographs and bring healthy snacks to share. Hikes are easy to moderate in difficulty and are usually Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm including breaks.

Public Speaking

Never fear speaking in public again,
​Join our Public Speaking Project!!!

County Projects

The County has a wide variety of Projects for youth to participate in.

The Alameda County Tech Project is meeting Wednesday November 13, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at Round Table Pizza in Castro Valley.