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What’s 4-H?

4-H Mission

4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

4-H Vision

A world in which youth and adults learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.

As the youth development program of the nation’s 109 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System, 4-H fosters an innovative, “learn by doing” approach with proven results.  The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, a longitudinal study conducted by the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University, shows youth engaged with 4-H are:

  • Nearly two times more likely to get better grades in school;
  • Nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college;
  • 41 percent less likely to engage in risky behaviors; and
  • 25 percent more likely to positively contribute to their families and communities.

What kinds of things can I do in 4-H?

4-H offers a wide variety of projects and activities, including workshops, conferences, camps, community service projects, and leadership development opportunities for both youth and adults at local, district, state, national, and international levels.  Many projects and related curriculum are available in 4-H, under eight major project areas:

  • Members working in a forestAnimal Sciences
  •  Family and Consumer Sciences
  •  Engineering Technology
  •  Interdisciplinary
  •  Environmental
  •  Plant Sciences
  •  Environmental Stewardship
  •  Social Sciences
  •  Expressive Arts

The 4-H program reaches out to kids and their families to build skills for life.  4-H has a hundred different hands-on projects to offer.

How do I join 4-H?

Membership is open to anyone age 5 and in kindergarten through 12th grade for most programs. Contact Carrie Backman, 4-H Educator, at WSU Wahkiakum County Extension.  She will connect you with open clubs and other 4-H opportunities depending on your age and interests.  For teen programs, contact Lisa Frink, program coordinator, to learn more about local projects and statewide teen camps and leadership opportunities.  Please contact them at the contact information below.  You can also drop by the office at 25 River Street, Suite E in Cathlamet, Monday through Wednesday 9 am to 3 pm.

How do I become a 4-H volunteer?

We have a strong need for caring, mentoring adults in the Wahkiakum 4-H program. Your timeknowledge and heart for youth could make a big difference in the quality of life in your community.  Washington State University Extension will provide you the support and training you’ll need along the way.  You will be a valued partner in helping grow kids. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities depending on your time and interest; including club leaders, chaperones for local and state events, project leaders to lend expertise, and fair volunteers.  Volunteers are asked to fill out an application and to attend a short orientation to the Wahkiakum 4-H program.  Please contact Carrie Backman for more information at the contact information below.

Carrie Backman, County Director,  carrie.backman@wsu.edu

Lisa Frink, 4-H Program Coordinator

25 River Street, Suite E
PO Box 278
Cathlamet, WA 98612

360-795-3278