4-H & FFA at the Skagit County Fair T
he Skagit County Fair has a long and proud history of partnering with local 4-H and FFA club members who come to share and showcase their skills and talents. Many kids participate in both programs; the FFA is connected to high school Agriculture classes and the 4-H all year long. The clubs share common themes: hands on learning, community spirit, sciences, arts, and agriculture.
4-H YOUTH PROGRAMS
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he 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. 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, 400 youth are organized into 26 clubs and mentored by 90 adult volunteer Leaders.
is “Making the Best Better”. You will see these values reflected in the youth when you take time to visit and talk with 4-H members at the fair. Children join 4-H by choosing a 4-H Says Dorothy Elsner WSU Extension club; visiting with leaders and members Skagit County 4-H Program Coordinator: at the fair is a great way to find a “4-H thrives in Skagit County due to good fit for an individual’s interests. incredible support from the Skagit 4-H members can compete with their County community. The generosity of projects in contests at the local, state, our community enables Skagit County regional, or national levels and also 4-H to continue our mission in raising attend conferences and events. 4-H responsible, thoughtful and generous has four Essential Elements: Belonging, Generosity, Mastery, and Independence. leaders for our future.” These topics give youth a safe place to 4-H EXHIBITS AND CONTESTS “Learn as they Do”, generate positive youth/adult partnerships, and feel a part The 4-H building (Building A) is full of a bigger community. The 4-H motto of interesting still-life exhibits and 4-H goskagit.com
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 with dogs both on and off leash. The Pavilion barn is the home of livestock projects; Dairy, Beef and Swine along with an exhibition of Shooting Sports. Goats and Sheep are housed and shown across the fairgrounds in Building F. Building E is the Small Animal Barn, this barn fills up with Rabbit, Cavy, Cat and Poultry projects. The Horse barns and the Horse arena is busy all day with many different horse performances.
SKAGIT COUNTY FAIR
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