King County 4-H Volunteers: You Spoke, We Listened!
A huge thank you to everyone who completed our first annual Year-End Survey. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping a better 4-H experience for everyone. Here’s what we heard, and what’s next. Also, if you would still like to take the survey, it is still open. Survey Link
We will do this survey or a similar one annually to make sure we are meeting the needs of our volunteers and youth.
You Are Building Amazing Spaces for Youth!
We asked how confident you felt in creating a positive 4-H environment.
- “Youth feel a sense of belonging” – Very High Confidence
- Youth are encouraged to be leaders” – Very High Confidence
- You also reported seeing youth grow in responsibility, critical thinking, and confidence.
Thank you! This confirms the incredible, positive impact you have every day.
Your Biggest Area of Growth? Finding Their Spark!
When asked what skill you improved most this year, the top answer was “Fostering youth ‘sparks.'” This is at the very heart of positive youth development. Many of you also mentioned you were letting the youth lead things where appropriate.
Your Ideas for Next Year: Our Action Plan
You told us what support would be most helpful. Here’s our plan to deliver:
More on Youth Voice & Leadership (Your #1 Request!)
-We’re planning workshops and resources focused on helping youth lead meetings, plan projects, and make decisions.
Better Volunteer Connections (Your #2 Request!)
-Look for new opportunities to connect, share ideas, and problem-solve with fellow volunteers throughout the year. We are already hosting more in-person Association meetings. I love seeing you all connect and exchange ideas.
Continued Project & Club Support
-We’re exploring new tools and expert connections to help with specific projects (like poultry) and club management.
A Few of Your Words of Wisdom
“I have thoroughly enjoyed observing the progress of each club member as they develop self confidence…”
“I am transitioning the youth… into increasingly complex decision making and problem solving opportunities…”
“I created a survey for our youth members for the new 4-H year asking about their sparks and passions.”
Your feedback makes our program stronger. We’re excited to build on this great foundation together next year!
Questions or Ideas?
Always feel free to reach out to me or your 4-H coordinators.
Upcoming Events
Local
Small Animal Show Hosted by Snoqualmie Valley Evergreens
Sunday, March 8 | 9:00 AM
Join us for a fun-filled day celebrating our amazing small animal projects! This show is open to all registered 4-H members, and we welcome exhibitors of both rabbits and cavies for a day of learning, friendly competition, and community.
Events & Activities Include:
Rabbit & Cavy Show (Type & Fit & Show classes)
Costume Contest
Bake Sale
Silent Auction
Kid’s Raffle
STEM Activities
Fun Games
More info: svevergreens4h@gmail.com
St. Catricks Day Cat Show Hosted by Cedar River Rascals
Saturday, March 21 | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Cedar River Rascals invites all Washington 4H Cat Project members to join us for our 2nd Annual St. “Catricks” Day cat show! The event will take place on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 at Meridian Grange in Kent, Washington from 9:00am to 4:00pm.Please contact us using one of the links below for more information and to receive the link to register your cat(s).This is event is also open to the visiting public!
For more information visit their website or email: info@cedarriverrascals4-h.org
In Person 4-H Association Meeting Hosted by King County 4-H Association
Thursday, March 12th | 7:00 PM | Renton Office
The King County 4-H Association helps guide 4-H programming in King County and raises money for scholarships and grants. Anyone is welcome to join in on the meetings, share your thoughts, and make your voice heard.
Join us at our March IN PERSON meeting! Bring a dessert for a dessert potluck!
Check out the meeting minutes from February
AGRIventure Education Days
Tuesday, May 19th-May 20th | Enumclaw Expo Center
Agriculture isn’t just an industry here — it’s our heritage, our livelihood, and the heartbeat of our community. On May 19–20, 2026, the Enumclaw Expo Center invites you to celebrate the people, passion, and future of farming with two meaningful days dedicated to education, connection, and conversation.
On Tuesday, May 19, AGRIventure Education Days will welcome older elementary students for an immersive, hands-on experience in agriculture. From farm equipment and meeting animals up close to learning directly from local farmers and FFA students, these young learners will discover where their food comes from — and why agriculture plays such a vital role in their everyday lives.
That evening, the community comes together for Dinner with a Farmer at the Enumclaw Expo Center. Doors open at 5:00 PM, with dinner served at 6:00 PM. This special evening offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand stories from those who live and work the land, connect with our local agricultural community, and invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders. Proceeds directly support agricultural education and youth involvement in our region.
Tickets go on sale March 1.
Neighboring County Events
Snohomish County Tack Sale
Saturday, March 7 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Snohomish County Small Animal Show
Saturday, March 14
Click here for more information
2026 Thurston County Youth Expo and ABGA Show
April 25-26 | Thurston County Fairgrounds
This event is a special opportunity to learn more about your animal and how to maximize its potential at the Fair. Saturday’s schedule is centered around growth and preparation, featuring a free Showmanship Clinic at 9:00 AM, followed by species-specific clinics for cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats. Additionally, 4-H will be hosting fun activities for all participants on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Weekend Schedule
Saturday, April 25: Clinics & ABGA Shows
- Clinics: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Showmanship, Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, and Goats).
- 4-H Activities: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM for all participants.
- Nutrition Seminar: 1:30 PM with Nick Meuret (Purina).
- ABGA Shows: Concurrent Boer Goat shows starting at 9:00 AM.
Sunday, April 26: Market & Youth Sanctioned Events
- Market Ring: Multi-species showmanship and market classes (Beef, Hog, Lamb, and Goat) beginning at 8:00 AM.
- Boer Goat Ring: ABGA and JABGA shows throughout the morning.
Important Details
- Registration: Register online here
- Camping: Available for the weekend and can be reserved online here.
- Vendors: Local food and commercial vendors will be on-site
Pierce County FUN’raiser
Saturday April 25th | Frontier Park Graham, WA
Cat, horse, and dog show!
News from State 4-H
- Design the State Fair Patch
- Small Animal Committee Seeking Judges
- Summer International Exchange Host Families Needed
- State Livestock Judging competition
- Washington Junior Poultry Exposition
Scholarships
Now Open: King County 4-H Scholarship
This scholarship is available to all King County 4-H members who are high school seniors and have been active in 4-H for at least three years.
Applications will be submitted through 4-H Online and are due April 1, 2026 by 9:59 PM
Applicants will submit a packet highlighting their academic achievements, 4-H involvement, and academic transcript (unofficial accepted). All documents are to be combined into one PDF document and uploaded in 4-H Online. The packet must include:
- Resume
- Essay
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Academic Transcript
Click here for more information
State Scholarships
Scholarships offered by the state department are now open as well. Check out their website for requirements and details on how to apply.
Applications must be submitted in 4-H online by March 15th.
Community Highlight-KYG
Know Your Government conference was held 2/13-2/16 in Olympia. This year the location changed to the Evergreen State College campus. Over the course of four days delegates, from all over Washington state, learned about the legislative process. Prior to conference county delegates met to draft proposed legislation (bills) and learn about civil discourse using the dignity index. During conference proposed bills were debated with delegates providing thoughtful pro or con testimony. The conclusion involved the passing of two bills, signed into 4-H “law” by Executive Director Kayla Wells-Yoakum on final day of conference.
From Dyllan Ensign, conference attendee from Teen Leaders of Tomorrow:
“KYG was a very educational experience that allowed me to collaborate with people my age to learn about the legislative branch. I loved how social it was and how many opportunities we had to form connections with youth from other counties. Overall, a great experience and I would highly recommend it to anybody in 4-H looking for a new, engaging experience.”
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If you have any events, news, or stories to share please send them to Aspen (aspen.dobbins@wsu.edu). We would love to feature them in the newsletter and social media!