Jefferson County 4-H Newsletters are sent out on the 15th of every month, and include updates on events, deadlines, and information about Countywide 4-H activity. To get this newsletter sent straight to your inbox make sure you are enrolled in 4honline (Link). For a printed copy email email 4h.jefferson@wsu.edu
APRIL 2026 Newsletter Table of Contents:
Upcoming Local 4-H Events
Upcoming State Events
Upcoming National Events
Volunteer News
Upcoming Community Events
Useful Community Information
Stay up to date with all the upcoming 4-H events by checking out our event calendar – linked below. You can subscribe to the calendar by scrolling down to the bottom right hand of the page and clicking on the ‘subscribe’ link. All events are updated monthly by the 15th.
SHEARING WORKSHOP AT TWIN VISTA RANCH
On April 7th the herd of sheep at Twin Vista Ranch got new haircuts! Last year we had a public event around this day – but with shifting towards a Spring Fair in May we needed to get these sheep taken care of. Thank you Dean for sharing your wisdom, master shearer Elizabeth for your expertise, and Shout out to all the volunteers and 4-H’ers who joined in the fun. We will have a chance for everyone to visit the farm on May 30th when 4-H Hosts the Spring Fair at Twin Vista Ranch. For more information about that event visit: Spring Fair Event Page (link)
PAWS N’ CLAWS CAT SHOW
Cat project folks gathered at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds at the end of March. Their next show is May 30th – also at the Fairgrounds!
Public Health Award
Shout out to Brinnon Try’ers Leader! Mike Reynolds has transformed the Brinnon community by creating opportunities that bring students and families together, from launching Run Club to building thriving flag football and volleyball programs. His leadership through the Brinnon Youth Club continues to expand horizons for local youth, offering diverse activities (kayaking, snow tubing, art), and hands‑on skills (CAD design and machining!) that open doors far beyond their small town. Sporting activities strengthen community bonds by engaging enthusiastic students, supportive families, and growing crowds of young fans. His advocating for Brinnon youth has become a powerful force for hope, connection, and opportunity—one that clearly merits recognition as a Public Health Hero.
UPCOMING 4-H EVENTS
Click on the link to go to our events calendar for more information about each event
Spring Fair Planning Meeting (link) – April 22nd, May 6th – 4:30pm Twin Vista Ranch (zoom option available)
Jefferson County 4-H Leaders Council Scholarship Application Due – May 1st 2026 to Extension Office
Jefferson County Fair Committee – May 7th 2026 – 6pm at Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Leaders Council Meeting (link)– May 11th – 6:30pm Twin Vista Ranch Farmhouse (zoom option available)
Monthly Rabbit Meet Up (link) – May 15th 2026 (3rd Fridays) at 4:30pm – Twin Vista Ranch Classroom
Rhododendron Parade – Saturday May 16th 2026 – 1pm Location To Be Announced
Spring Fair – Public Presentations (link) May 30th 2026 – Twin Vista Ranch
Animal Certificates Due – June 1st 2026
Poultry Blood Draw 4-H – June 20th – Time and Location To Be Announced
Poultry Blood Draw (Open & 4-H) – June 23rd from 3-6:30pm – WSU Jefferson Extension Back Parking Area
UPCOMING STATE 4-H EVENTS:
Apply to Attend Purdue Agronomy E-Learning Academy
Are you a 10th or 11th grader interested in Agronomy? Through Indiana 4-H’s participation in the Ballmer Grant, a limited number of spots have been reserved in the Purdue Agronomy E-Learning Crop Professional Program specifically for states and territories not directly participating in the grant. Washington students are welcome and encouraged to apply. Thanks to grant funding, all three courses (a $2,000 value each) will be offered at no cost to any accepted participant, regardless of state. This is an exceptional chance for students to gain college-level learning and earn a respected professional certificate. You can download the Informational Flyer for more details. The Application Forms are due by April 20th. Questions can be directed to wdecker@purdue.edu.
Upcoming Judge’s Training Opportunity
Are you interested in supporting youth and learning how 4-H fair judging works? Join us for the 4-H Still Entry Judges Training (Westside) on May 30 from 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM at the Puyallup Research Center, Allmendinger Room (2606 W Pioneer, Puyallup, WA 98371).
This introductory course will prepare you to become a registered WA 4-H judge in Photography, Posters, Presentations, Food Activities, or Textile Arts. It is open to current 4-H volunteers, parents, and anyone in the community interested in fair judging.
Judge’s Training Highlights
- 4-H judging principles (Danish system, working with youth, scorecards)
- Hands-on workshops in your chosen area
- Knowledge check and mock judging
- Networking with other judges and instructors
Fees and Support
- $25: Full day (become a registered judge, includes lunch)
- $10: Partial day / learning only (no lunch)
- Cost a barrier? Attend at no cost or pay what you can afford – no questions asked.
- King County residents: If you plan to judge Food Activities, your full-day registration is covered by the King Family Living Project.
Register for the Judge’s Training today! After training you will receive an email with a link to pay via Square.
Save the Date for Teen Conference!
High-school aged teens (those who have completed 8th grade and up) are encouraged to come to the Pullman Campus of Washington State University in June each year for the Washington State 4-H Teen Conference.
Some highlights include: touring the beautiful Pullman campus of WSU, staying in college dormitories, eating at WSU’s dining center, and attending workshops and tours to highlight career pathways and opportunities. We will include workshops to help youth begin preparing for college applications, scholarship applications, choosing a college major, and choosing a career pathway. We will also have opportunities for leadership development, service projects, team-building activities, and fun!
- Date: June 22-25, 2026
- Location: WSU Pullman Campus
- Ages: High School students who have completed 8th grade through 12th grade
- Registration: Will open in early May via 4-H Online
All event information will be at our Teen Conference webpage.
State 4-H puts out a ‘Tuesday News’ newsletter each week – you can view it at the link below.
UPCOMING NATIONAL 4-H EVENTS:
2027 Youth in Action Scholarship Portal is Open – (more at this link)
VOLUNTEER NEWS:
Report your hours and help us communicate the value of what our Volunteers do to WSU and Jefferson County Government. Follow the link below to make your report digitally. There are also paper forms you can send in at the WSU Jefferson Extension Office. GivePulse Volunteer Hours Report (link)
How to Become a Volunteer:
- Complete Background Check (Every 3 years)
- Complete Training: Child First, EP 14, and WA 4-H Volunteer Orientation
- Enroll on 4-H Online
- Report your volunteer hours!
If you have any questions about accessing these training opportunities please reach out to your County Coordinator. You can also find more information on our volunteer page.
Jefferson County 4-H Volunteer Information Page (link)
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
USEFUL COMMUNITY INFORMATION:
Other events that are happening in our Community that might interest you!
Know of an upcoming event that 4-H’ers should know about? Send it to us! 4h.jefferson@wsu.edu