4-H Zenith Club

A community of homeschooling 4-H families and those with flexible schedules growing together through hands-on projects, leadership, and service to others.

About 4-H

4-H is the largest youth development organization in the United States, with about 6 million participants and over 25 million alumni!

The Maryland 4-H Youth Development Program provides a supportive setting for youth to reach their fullest potential. Children learn beneficial cognitive and life skills through community-focused, research-based, experiential educational programs. Participation is open to all youth ages 5-18. The Clover Program is open to youth ages 5-7 years and the 4-H Program serves 8-18-year-old participants. 4-H values diversity and advocates for the inclusiveness of all children regardless of background or identity.

4-H has an over 100-year tradition of voluntary action through strong public and private partnerships at federal, state, and community levels. Local volunteer leaders and youth practitioners partner with local Extension staff from the University of Maryland to provide direct leadership and educational support to young people in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

The 4-H youth development program is a group of young people engaging in various projects, events, and activities with adult and teen leaders and their families. Regardless of the programs, each 4-H group involves youth, family, and community members working and learning together.

4-H clover logo

About 4-H Zenith Club

Zenith is a welcoming 4-H club made up mostly of homeschoolers who love learning, creating, and growing together. We meet once a month — usually on the third Thursday from 3-5 PM — in Gaithersburg or Derwood, with occasional off-site meetings depending on the activity.

Each meeting follows a familiar rhythm:

  1. Business meeting

    Led by youth officers

  2. Member presentations

    On a variety of topics

  3. Snack and social time

    A chance to relax and chat

  4. Group activity

    Ties into our monthly theme

Zenith is intentionally low-key and flexible, encouraging creativity and collaboration. Parents are actively involved, offering feedback and support, so meetings are not drop-off programs. Every member has the chance to hold an officer position and try new things — even those outside their comfort zone — because growth happens when we explore unfamiliar territory.

Guided by the 4-H pledge, Zenith members learn from each other while developing life skills, leadership, and confidence. We work on independent 4-H projects, practice public speaking through illustrated talks and demonstrations, complete at least one service project, and go on at least one field trip each year.

Zenith is more than a club — it's a community where learning feels fun, leadership feels natural, and every member's ideas help shape what comes next.

What Zenith Offers

A Year in Zenith

January February March April May June
Theme Cooking Demo Speeches Service Kite Day Brainstorming Fair project
Activity Family Meal Plan Recycled craft Donations Nature Craft Club Fair posters Club Booth
July August September October November December
Theme Fair project Montgomery County Fair Wheel Day Game Day Field Trip Cookie Exchange/Decorating
Activity Club Banner 4-H Day Nature Collection Family Budget/Chore Chart Ice Skating Watercolor/Acrylic Painting

Montgomery County Fair

As summer approaches, Zenith members prepare for the Montgomery County Fair, working together on club entries such as the club booth and banner. Our teamwork paid off — this year, Zenith proudly earned County Fair Reserve Champion and State Grand Champion honors for our booth!

Club Booth

Club booth

Club Banner

Club banner

Join Zenith

Want to get involved? Contact us to learn more about joining Zenith.

Join Zenith