They plan youth programs with volunteer leaders based on local needs. Since people's needs vary, 4-H programs may differ from county to county and paid Extension staff from state to state. South Carolina youth are involved in 4-H in a variety of ways. They are members of organized 4-H clubs, participants in short term and special interest groups, youth in camping programs, participants in school enrichment programs, through individual study, and participants in school age programs. Programs reach youth through in-school programs, camping, and other educational methods and in programs planned to meet specific needs of individual members, youth and the communities where they live.
Youth take an active part in learning.
They participate in projects that give them knowledge of citizenship and civic education, communications and expressive arts, consumer and family science, personal development, environmental education and earth sciences, healthy lifestyles education, personal development and leadership, plants and animals and science and technology. Often the knowledge they gain leads to a career. They also learn to define and solve some problems facing them and their communities. These include problems of environment, health, and substance abuse. The project serves as a vehicle to help youth develop their full potential through 4-H youth programs.