4-H YOUTH PROGRAMS The 4-H youth program is volunteer driven and community based it was started at the beginning of the 20th century to ensure the future of rural youth. It consists of a community of more than six million members from ages nine through nineteen and 60 million alumni from across America. Skagit county 4-H just celebrated the 100th anniversary of having clubs in the county, The clubs emphasize learning, leadership/life skills, healthy living, citizenship and science through classes, hands-on projects, and community service. Students can choose from a variety of projects in the areas of technology, human sciences, large and small animals, science and engineering, natural resources, and citizenship and leadership. Beyond the excitement of learning something new through a project, youth have the opportunity to participate in leadership conferences, travel the world, become involved in their community through service, develop healthy youth/adult partnerships and meet new friends in a safe and comfortable setting. In Skagit County, 300 youth are organized into 23 clubs and mentored local, state, regional, or national by 60 adult volunteer Leaders. levels and also attend conferences and events. 4-H has four Essential As the world did, our program Elements: Belonging, Generosity, changed with COVID and we are re Mastery, and Independence. These building and in need of adult volun- topics give youth a safe place to teers to teach youth skills, sewing, “Learn as they Do”, generate poscooking, wood working, art, small itive youth/adult partnerships, and engines, robotics are some of the feel a part of a bigger community. projects that have interest but no The 4-H motto is “Making the Best leader to teach the youth. Better”. You will see these values Children ages 5- 18 can join 4-H; reflected in the youth when you take time to visit and talk with 4-H visiting with leaders and members members at the fair. at the fair is a great way to find a good fit for an individual’s interests. 4-H members can compete with their projects in contests at the 20
SKAGIT COUNTY FAIR
Says Dorothy Elsner WSU Extension Skagit County 4-H Program
Coordinator: “4-H thrives in Skagit County due to incredible support from the Skagit County community. The generosity of our community enables Skagit County 4-H to continue our mission in raising responsible, thoughtful and generous leaders for our future.” 4-H EXHIBITS AND CONTESTS The 4-H building (Building A) is full of interesting still-life exhibits and 4-H in Action demonstrations. Building C houses the dog project and show ring, dog projects show in obedience and agility through an obstacle course; handlers work goskagit.com
