4-H is the youth development education program of Washington State University Extension, which is conducted jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, your state land grant university (WSU) and Chelan/Douglas County.
4-H Positive Youth Development |
4-H Club Information |
4-H Experiential Education
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4-H in Chelan & Douglas Counties
Today 4-H is everywhere–in cities, suburbs, small towns, and rural communities. In the 21st century, 4-H serves a broad clientele with expanded program using a variety of ways to “learn by doing.” There are approximately 200 leaders and 400 members, enrolled annually in the many programs that are part of Chelan-Douglas 4-H. Our members participate in activities in their clubs, at county, state and national levels as well.
In 4-H, members design their own learning experience and lay out their plan of action in Record Books, enlisting the assistance of their 4-H Leaders and their parents. Members range in age from 5-18. Project expectations become more difficult as the 4-Her gets older. Cloverbud members ages 5-7, have some limitations when joining 4-H. We believe they are too young, developmentally, to safely handle large animals and that competition is not an appropriate learning strategy for this age group. Accordingly, they may not enroll in large animal projects because of concerns for the member’s safety; also, they are not permitted to be judged competitively. For example they may exhibit at county fair but their exhibits – small animals or still life entries – are automatically given special ribbons; they are not judged against the standards for the exhibit as are those of all other members.
In our program, you can decide if you want to be part of the competitions that are available in 4-H or not. If not, the full range of projects and most county, state and national opportunities are still available to you. Why not check out the many programs that are available through Chelan – Douglas County 4-H, where we “Make the best, better!”
Vision
Washington State University 4-H Youth Development is developing young people to become productive citizens who are engaged in positive change, meeting the needs of a diverse and changing society.
Mission
4-H youth development education creates supportive environments for all youth and families to reach their fullest potential. WSU 4-H Youth Development is committed to providing safe and inclusive environments for all youth and adults regardless of race; sex; gender; sexual orientation; gender identity/expression; religion; age; color; creed; national or ethnic origin; citizenship; physical, mental, or sensory ability; genetic information; and/or status as an honorably discharged veteran or member of the military.
4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. We reach out to kids and their families to build skills for real life.
Who can join 4-H
4-H is open to every youth, ages 5-19, without discrimination!
There are four age groups* in which you can do a wide variety of projects and activities:
- Cloverbuds: ages 5-7
- Junior: ages 8-10
- Intermediate: ages 11-13
- Senior: ages 14 to less than 19
*Shooting sports and large animal projects require youth to be at least 8 years of age on October 1st to participate.
How to Join 4-H
You can join 4-H in a few easy steps:
- Find a Club:
- Find a club that offers leadership in a project you’re interested in. Contact the extension office to find a club or start your own.
- Decide on a Project:
- There are numerous different project opportunities for 4-H members to participate in and with self-determined projects. Follow this link to find the list of projects.
- Enroll in 4-H online:
- Get involved and HAVE FUN!
Need help? Please contact the extension office at 509-667-6540.
Please Visit or Contact Us!
We warmly welcome you to Chelan/Douglas County 4-H! Whether you are new to the Clover or already part of the 4-H family, we hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for on our website. If not, please email or call the extension office in Wenatchee or Waterville.
Chelan/ Douglas County 4-H Office
412 Washington Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801-2670
Phone: 509-667-6540
Michelle Lain, 4-H Program Assistant
michelle.lain@wsu.edu | (509) 667-6540
Seth Wendzel, 4-H Experiential Education Coordinator
Seth.wendzel@wsu.edu | (509) 667-6540