Tuesday News
Saddle Up for the 2026 Northwest Washington 4-H Teen Summit!
Grab your boots and get ready for a weekend of leadership, learning, connection, and fun! Hosted by Skagit County, the 2026 Washington 4-H Teen Summit is open to 4-H teens ages 12–18 from across Washington State and will take place November 7–8, 2026, at Camp Lutherwood in Bellingham, WA.
This Western-themed overnight conference is planned with the help of 4-H teens and allows youth to build leadership skills, meet 4-H members from across the state, try something new, and make some great memories along the way. Registration is $50 per youth through October 27 and $65 during late registration, October 28–November 4.
We’ve got a full weekend rounded up! Teens will participate in hands-on workshops, leadership and team-building challenges, a service project, line dancing, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other 4-H members. Workshop topics include Grow Your Poultry Project, Canine Cuts, Leading with Grit, DNA & Genetics, Intro to Livestock Judging, Blanket Leadership Challenge, Artificial Insemination in Livestock, Biosecurity, and more. Whether you’re interested in animals, science, leadership, agriculture, or just trying something new, there’s something for everyone!
Registration opens October 1 through 4-H Online and closes November 4 at 9:59 PM PT. Workshops are first-come, first-served, so don’t wait too long to submit your registration and claim your spot! Visit the event website for more information.
Saddle up, bring your 4-H spirit, and join teens from across Washington for a weekend at Teen Summit!
Upcoming Events
Washington State 4-H Hippology and Horse Bowl Contests Official Reference
Beginning October 1, 2026, Horse Smarts will be the sole reference for all questions and scenarios in the Washington State 4-H Hippology and Horse Bowl Contests. Copies are available for purchase on the American Youth Horse Counsel website. The Horse Smarts binder is designed to be updated over time so its content keeps pace with advances in equine science and industry practice, with revisions released about once every five years. If you already own a copy, purchase the 2026 Update packet and replace the affected pages with the revised and new content. If you’re buying a new copy, the 2026 updates are already included, so you don’t need the update packet.
Members planning to compete can start studying now, since everything you’ll see at the state contests will come from this one book. County horse programs are encouraged to purchase a copy and divide it into topic sections that youth can check out and study in manageable pieces. It’s also a great resource for club meetings, practice sessions, and study groups.
If you have questions about using Horse Smarts in your county, or would like help building hippology, horse bowl, and equine science activities for your members, please contact the State 4-H Equine Committee at 4h.equine@wsu.edu. We’re glad to help!
Last Chance to Register for 4-H Equine Judges Training
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to join the Washington State 4-H Judge’s Training School. The class is currently full, but if you are interested in joining the waitlist, please fill out the waitlist registration form. The training cost is $100.
Questions? Email 4h.equine@wsu.edu or call 425-520-3908.
WSU Sheep Festival, October 9-10
Join us for a sheep-filled weekend of fun, film, and family activities. Start the celebration Friday evening, October 9, with a special film screening at Moscow’s historic Kenworthy Theater.
Then spend Saturday, October 10, at the University of Idaho Sheep Center, where you can meet adorable baby lambs, participate in hands-on family activities, sample delicious chef-crafted tastings, and enjoy a day dedicated to all things sheep.
Visit the Sheep Festival webpage for more information about events, demonstrations, and booths!
Inside Science Educator Exchange Professional Development Opportunity, October 9
Explore the science, agriculture, and management of wild and domestic sheep during this full-day professional development experience with the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Designed for high school STEM educators, the program examines the biology, management, and conservation of wild and domestic sheep through real-world examples and expert-led discussions. The day will also include hands-on workshops with our Simulation-Based Education team and interactive pedagogy activities with our Teaching Academy faculty.
Registration is $40 and includes parking, lunch, and all program materials. Visit the event webpage for more information and to register.
Washington State 4-H Dog Leader’s Fall Meeting
The Washington State Dog Leader’s Fall Meeting will take place on October 11, 2026 at 1 PM. Zoom details can be found in the Washington State 4-H Dog Leader’s Facebook group or you can request the Zoom details from Phoebe Jud at phoebe.jud@wsu.edu starting on October 8th, 2026.
Please note that each county may select two adult and one youth voting delegates but any enrolled 4-H member, youth or adult, may attend and participate.
Ask Dr. Universe: How Did I Get a Hole in My Heart at Birth?
Riley from Florida asked how someone could be born with a hole in their heart. Join Dr. Universe this week as she discusses heart anatomy with WSU nurse practitioner Kathy Kincaid about how this happens and other interesting heart facts!
Submit your question online and you may see your question featured in a future Ask Dr. Universe!
