4-H Youth Development

4-H YEAR AT A GLANCE:

The 4-H year runs from October-September, culminating in our County and State Fair events. Some of our clubs align more with a school year, and enrollment is typically open from October-July 1st.

October: Clubs Renew & accept new members. End of Year Awards celebration from previous 4-H Year (Oct. 17th 2026 – 6pm at Jefferson County Fairgrounds)

November: New Volunteer Trainings

December: WSU Jefferson Extension Open House

January: Poster Workshops “Super Sunday”

February: Know Your Government Workshop in Olympia

March: Public Presentation Workshops “Super Sunday”

April: New Volunteer Trainings

May: Rhody Parade – Premium Book Published

June: Animal Certificates Due to WSU Extension Office, Teen Conference in Pullman

July: Enrollment Deadline – Jefferson County Fair Entry Deadline

August: 2nd Friday – Jefferson County Fair

September: State Fair – Schedule depends on project area

ABOUT 4-H:

In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

What are the Outcomes?

4-H’ers are…

• 2x more likely to feel positive about their wellbeing
• 3x more likely to feel competent
• 2x more likely to make healthier choices
• 2x more likely to participate in out-of-school-time science programs
• 4x more likely to make a positive contribution to their communities

What Do You Do in 4-H? 

You can learn-by-doing in so many different ways – it’s really up to your 4-H group and club!  So once you find a 4-H club or project that’s right for you, and Join 4-h, work with your 4-H leaders and fellow members to dream big.  Here are things that almost all 4-H members do in Jefferson County: 

• We choose projects that really interest us: shooting sports, goats, cats, aerospace, gardening, art… whatever! Projects are separated into four categories: 
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) covers topics such as plant and animal sciences, engineering and technology, and environmental sciences. 
• Citizenship includes communication and leadership skills, as well as business and citizenship topics. 
• Creative Arts covers all things creative, such as photography and sewing. 
• Healthy Living addresses how to be healthier in all aspects of life, from cooking to exercise. 
• Take part in 4-H Club/Group Meetings – Club/Group Meetings will be a mix of business (things like planning your year and raising money for what you want to do), education (on topics like how to do a good presentation), and FUN! During Project Meetings (which may happen at the same time as Club/Group Meetings) members get to work on their chosen projects.  Working alongside caring adults, all youth get to help make decisions at the meetings through taking on leadership roles, sharing ideas, and voting. 
• Take part in the Jefferson County 4-H Council by coming to a meeting or event, or helping with a fundraiser that benefits all 4-H youth in our county. 
• Take part in a least one 4-H community service project – something that you can plan and work on with others in your Club/Group and/or with other 4-Her’s throughout our community. 
• Give a public presentation at a Club/Group meeting, 4-H county event, and at county fair. This is a way to share with others the great things you’re learning. 
• Keep good records of your year in 4-H. 4-H can supply members with a standard 4-H Record Book, or you can make one based on the do-reflect-apply, “experiential learning” model (that is, records that show what you’ve done, what your learned, and what you’ll do with your learnings). 
• Take part in Jefferson County Fair. By doing this, your learning doesn’t stop with just you! You get to share it with our broader community …and earn awards and money when you do!