Welcome to Catawba County 4-H
View our current Club List: Club List Club List 2025-26 (2)
4-H is a youth development program through Cooperative Extension for children ages 5-18, offering a variety of clubs and activities led by dedicated volunteer leaders. These clubs meet at different times and locations throughout Catawba County, and 4-H also provides classroom programs, after-school activities, and summer enrichment. Focused on STEM, Healthy Living, and Leadership, all programs are available at little to no cost, thanks to local and state government funding.
Catawba County 4-H offers youth the chance to learn, create, and engage in hands-on activities. Whether you're interested in robotics, photography, plants, cooking, or horses, 4-H provides exciting opportunities. Participants may also have the chance to attend summer camp, visit the county fair, or even travel! The best way to get started is by joining a local 4-H Club.
What 4-H Offers:- Opportunities to make new friends
- Exciting trips to new places
- The chance to learn new skills
- Ways to get involved in the community and help others
- Recognition and awards for achievements
Registration: To enroll, complete the 4-H Enrollment and Medical Form on 4-H Online. View our current club offerings and contact Lisa Ortiz with any questions at lortiz2@ncsu.edu.
Club List:
General and Healthy Living Clubs
Clover Explorers 4-H Club
Ages: 5 to 12
Meetings: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., Agricultural Resource Center
Members explore different hands-on topics each month.
Leader: Lisa Ortiz — lortiz2@ncsu.edu
STAR Explorers 4-H Club
Ages: 5 to 12
Meetings: First Friday of the month, 6:00 p.m., St. Luke’s Church in Viewmont
A great club for first-time 4-H families to learn about 4-H and get involved.
Leader: Jessica Stamey — jessica.r.stamey@gmail.com
Kicking Clovers Martial Arts
Ages: 5 to 18
Meetings: Second and fourth Friday of the month, 4:00 to 5:15 p.m., Agricultural Resource Center
Members learn Taekwondo to improve health and confidence. New members pay a $10 fee. Scholarships are available.
Leader: Ronnie Hicks — dohickle03@gmail.com
Active Adventures Club
Ages: 5 to 12
Meetings: First Friday of the month, 10:00 a.m., location varies (local park)
Members learn about healthy living through outdoor exploration and physical activity.
Leader: Lilia Pina — liliapina5@gmail.com
4-H Hiking Club
Ages: 5 to 12
Meetings: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10:00 a.m., location announced by email
Leader: Lilia Pina — liliapina5@gmail.com
Teen Cooking Club
Ages: 12 to 18
Meetings: Second Friday of the month, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Agricultural Resource Center
Members learn cooking skills and share their favorite recipes.
Leader: Kelli Sigmon — kelliajo@hotmail.com
STEM and Technology Clubs
It’s Electric Club
Ages: 9 to 18
Meetings: Second Thursday of the month, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., Agricultural Resource Center
Members explore electronics through hands-on activities with circuits, batteries, and LED lights.
Leader: Sue Stulpin — catawba1469@yahoo.com
Home School STEM Club
Ages: 6 to 12
Meetings: Second Friday of the month, 10:00 a.m., Agricultural Resource Center
Members learn engineering, robotics, and problem-solving skills.
Leaders: Selah and Kelli Sigmon — kelliajo@hotmail.com
Amazing Circuits Robotics Club
Ages: 9 to 18
Meetings: First and third Thursday of the month, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., Agricultural Resource Center
Members build and code robots through fun challenges.
Leader: Jeffery Kiefer — jkiefer@cvcc.edu
4-H Library Robotics
Grades: 2 to 4
Meetings: Offered in 5- to 6-week sessions during the school year in partnership with Catawba County Libraries
Students use LEGO kits to learn teamwork, block coding, and motorized building.
Leader: Dana Florez — danaf@catawbacountync.gov
Shooting Sports
Top Shots Shooting Sports
Ages: 8 to 18
Meetings: Wednesdays, September through March, 6:00 p.m., Catawba Valley Rifle and Pistol Club
Members learn shotgun, rifle, archery, and muzzle loading. New members are accepted at the beginning of the year.
Leaders: Emily Kanupp — ejkanupp@gmail.com and Tarah Steele
Community and Leadership Programs
Juntos 4-H Club
Grades: 8 to 12
Meetings: Offered at Arndt Middle, St. Stephens High, and Challenger High Schools
Students explore career and college pathways through academic coaching and bilingual family nights.
Leader: Yulibeth Yanez-Chavez — yyanez@catawbacountync.gov
Catawba County Youth Council
Grades: 9 to 12
Meetings: Second Monday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Agricultural Resource Center
Students represent their high schools, complete leadership and citizenship projects, and build strong resumes.
Leaders: Lisa Ortiz — lortiz2@ncsu.edu and Dana Florez
Start a New 4-H Club
Volunteers are essential to 4-H.
We cannot offer clubs without caring adult leaders.
If you’re interested in starting a club, 4-H staff will support you.
To learn more:
Contact Lisa Ortiz — lortiz2@ncsu.edu
All club participants must register yearly at 4HOnline.com, which includes health, medical, and transportation consent forms.
Contact Information
Lisa Ortiz
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Phone: 828-465-8248
Email: lortiz2@ncsu.edu
Dana Florez
Phone: 828-465-8247
Email: danaf@catawbacountync.gov
