North Carolina 4-H Honor Club
"Service"
Honor Club was organized in 1931 by Mr. L.R. Harrill as a statewide 4-H service organization, and currently has over 3,000 members from across the state of North Carolina. Each year, 4-H’ers with an outstanding record of achievement and service involvement are inducted as new members at North Carolina 4-H Congress, joining a network of 4-H alumni dedicated to making the best better.
Often a defining moment for many 4-H’ers, induction into the NC 4-H Honor Club is one of the highest forms of recognition that one can receive during their 4-H career.
Why be a part of Honor Club?
Being a North Carolina 4-H Honor Club member is more than just an honor. It is the chance to give back to the 4-H program using the knowledge and skills that 4-H helped you to gain. Honor Club seeks members who want the opportunity to contribute to the club’s motto – Service – by continuing their involvement even after aging out of the 4-H program.
What do I get for being a member of Honor Club?
Members who have paid their dues and are in good standing have the opportunity to attend the annual NC 4-H Honor Club Conference, as well as any other meetings throughout the year. This provides 4-H alumni with the chance to network with other Honor Club members from across the generations and stay connected to what is going on in the North Carolina 4-H program.
Members also receive copies of the Heartline member newsletter to stay updated on all the latest Honor Club news, as well as exclusive access to the NC 4-H Honor Club Facebook group and NC 4-H Honor Club Instagram account to connect with other members. In addition, new inductees receive a certificate and the right to wear Honor Club insignia, including name tags, ribbons, and pins.
How do I join the NC 4-H Honor Club?
Submit an NC 4-H Honor Club Application.
- Sample Applications: County 4-H Staff must use Unity ID to log in.
Membership in the North Carolina 4-H Honor Club is bestowed upon 4-H’ers who have exhibited outstanding 4-H citizenship, leadership, and service throughout their 4-H career. An Honor Club member continues to provide leadership and service to the total 4-H program throughout life.
- Honor Club applicants must have completed three (3) or more years of 4-H club work, must be at least sixteen (16) years of age and not more than twenty (20) years of age as of January 1 of the year of their application.
- The total number of applicants inducted into the NC 4-H Honor Club each year shall be limited to one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the current enrollment of North Carolina 4-H members, or forty (40) members, whichever is greater.
- To become a member, selected applicants must be in attendance during the Tapping Ceremony at the evening assembly at 4-H Congress.
- New inductees will be expected to pay life-time dues the year that they are inducted. Some county 4-H programs pay their member's dues.
What the NC 4-H Honor Club Sponsors
The NC 4-H Honor Club sponsors or coordinates several events and awards each year. Some of the projects that Honor Club helps sponsor are:
- Partnering for the Future (Awards Program Support Project)
- State Volunteer Leader Hall of Achievement Recognition
- District Volunteer Leader Awards
- Local 4-H Club Community Service Awards
- State Officer Elections at NC 4-H Congress
- Candlelighting Ceremony at NC 4-H Congress
Honor Club Conference 2026
June 5–7, 2026 at Millstone 4-H Camp
The Honor Club Conference offers members and guests a weekend of connection, learning, and service. It is an opportunity to reconnect with Honor Club members from across the state, from the mountains to the coast, while learning what’s happening in North Carolina 4-H and in the NC 4-H Honor Club, including the annual business session and the selection of new members.
Participants take part in service projects at Millstone 4-H Camp and have time to catch up with friends and enjoy the camp’s recreational and waterfront activities, cookout, and outdoor spaces. Guests are welcome to attend, and during business meetings they may take part in self-guided activities such as disc golf, nature trails, and games. All activities are included in the weekend, with guests responsible only to pay for meals and lodging.
Honor Club members gather at Millstone 4-H Camp for Honor Club Conference 2025.
“You will leave this place a different person. Everything that could be done has been done to help you leave here a better person. The answer is in your response. We hope it will be a better person.” — L.R. Harrill, in his book Memories of 4-H, describing an imagined sign placed over the road leading into Millstone.
Heartline
The Heartline is the best way to stay updated on all the latest Honor Club news. This newsletter is published twice each year and includes information about new inductees, upcoming events, and much more.
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