4-H Special Interest Programs (SPIN) are short-term programs that are dedicated to a specific topic or interest group. Want to get involved with 4-H but don't know where to start? Special Interest programs are a great introduction to all 4-H has to offer!
Check out our current 4-H programs below! Special Interest Programs update and change. Check back in often to see updates and opportunities!
Family & Consumer Sciences
4-H Sewing Classes
Henderson County 4-H sewing classes are open to youth ages 8-18. No prior sewing experience is required! Participants are paired with a volunteer to learn the basics of sewing. During each of our 4-week sewing sessions, students learn how to use a sewing machine, read basic patterns, and create simple projects!
Knitting / Crochet Classes
Henderson County 4-H Knitting / Crochet classes are offered to youth ages 8-18 every fall. Participants meet once a week for six weeks to learn basic techniques, practice hands-on skills, and make projects! Participants of all skill levels are welcome!
Horticulture & Plant Sciences
4-H Mini Gardening
Dig into the world of gardening and cultivate your green thumb with the Henderson County 4-H Mini Gardening Program! Get hands-on experience growing your own garden right in your backyard with this summer-long program open to youth ages 8-18.
Livestock & Animal Programs
4-H F.R.E.S.H Program
Henderson County 4-H and the National Parks Service are thrilled to announce the continuation of the FRESH (Flat Rock’s Exceptional Sandburg Helpers) Program for summer 2026! FRESH participants will have the opportunity to learn about goat care and management, complete daily chores, and interact with visitors to discuss the history and significance of the Carl Sandburg Home NHS.
Livestock Judging, Quiz bowl and Skill-a-thon
Timeline: March - July, weekly practices
Youth who participate in these contests learn how to evaluate livestock animals, tools, feeds, breeds, cuts of meat, and more. Beyond the content material – they develop critical thinking skills, practice public speaking, and have to be able to justify their placings in oral reasons. It is a lot of fun to see them develop these skills as we practice over 6 months, and rewarding to see them be recognized at the state contest for their work!
Email Hannah_peeler@ncsu.edu for more information.
BlueRidge Brooders 4-H Pullet Program
Timeline: March - August
This program is designed for youth ages 5-18 in Henderson & Buncombe Counties who are interested in raising and showing laying hens. The 4-H Pullet Project gives youth the opportunity to…
- Raise 5 chicks from 2 days old until approximately 4 months old (laying hen breeds)
- Participate in training workshops to learn about chick care, husbandry, general health, housing, handling, and showmanship skills.
- Show your chickens with other program participants in the final WNC 4-H Pullet Project Show.
The Dairy Beef Feeder Calf Program
Timeline: February - September, application required.
Participants in the program will be provided a dairy calf that they will feed and care for at their home or another approved facility from March through the Mountain State Fair in September when the calves are sold. Participants must attend an informational orientation to prepare them for their project, participate in other events/clinics where they will work with their calf, and conclude their project by showing and selling their calves at the WNC Mountain State Fair.
Market Hog Program
Timeline: April - September, application required.
Participants in the program will be provided a market hog that they will feed and care for at their home or another approved facility.
Families will be responsible for their pig from April through September when the Market Hogs are sold. Participants must attend an informational orientation to prepare them for their project, participate in other events/clinics where they will work with their pig, and conclude their project by showing at the Mountain State Fair and selling their hogs at the Post-fair Auction following the Mountain State Fair.
4-H Poultry Judging, Avian Bowl, & Skill-a-thon
Youth who participate in these contests learn how to evaluate poultry, tools, feeds, breeds, cuts of meat, and more. Beyond the content material – they develop critical thinking skills, practice public speaking, and have to be able to justify their placings in oral reasons specific to the poultry industry!
Join or start project focused 4-H Club(s)!
4-H Clubs are often where we see best support of long-term youth development and building of community amongst our 4-Hers. 4-H Club instill essential life skills such as leadership, commitment, and nurturing relationships all while working on livestock, agriscience, horticulture, or other agriculture related projects!
