Happy Holidays!
We hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving and are ready to dive into December! The holiday season can be a whirlwind, so we’re keeping this newsletter short and sweet. Be sure to check out the upcoming events—some start this week, and you won’t want to miss them! Our office will be closed on December 24 and 25 for the holidays, and we kindly ask that you make an appointment before coming in, as staff may be working from home or on leave during this season.
Upcoming Events
New Leaders Training (Virtual)
Are you a new 4-H club leader, project leader, or parent who wants to learn more about 4-H? This two-part Zoom training will help you get started. Please register using the links below. Be sure to register for both days.
Thursday, December 4 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. Registration Link
Thursday, December 18 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. Registration Link
Please plan to attend both sessions. RSVP to Nancy Baskett at nbaskett@wsu.edu
Fair Superintendent and 4-H Association Meeting
Thursday, December 11 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
4-H Office in Renton
A short association meeting will start at 6pm followed by the fair superintendent meeting at 6:30pm. Food and drinks will be provided! Open to all supers and anyone with input on the fairbook.
Teen Winter Party
Hosted by Teen Leaders of Tomorrow 4-H
Saturday, December 13 | 12:30–2:30 p.m. 4-H Office in Renton
Wear your “ugly” sweater or fun holiday attire and come meet new friends, enjoy snacks, make crafts, and join a community service project. Members can bring friends. Ages 11 and up (Intermediates and Seniors).There will also be a Know Your Government meeting to learn more about the conference and how to get involved! RSVP to Nancy at nbaskett@wsu.edu by December 9th.
Know Your Government (KYG)
Info Meeting: 12/13 at the TLOT winter party
KYG Conference: 2/13-2/16 in Olympia
Know Your Government (KYG) is a civic education program with a four-year rotating topic. KYG and 4-H are about learning the life skills our delegates will need to be responsible citizens and productive adults. The conference is an opportunity for delegates to practice the skills they have learned, apply their knowledge to unknown situations and reflect on how they did. 4-H members that are Senior age (grades 9-12) are eligible to participate. This year the conference and curriculum centers on the legislative process
Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign
November 28–December 14
Make any purchase at your local Tractor Supply store and add a Paper Clover donation at checkout to support 4-H youth programs. Since 2010, this campaign has raised over $24 million to help 4-H members build hands-on skills for life and work.
King County Livestock Judging Program
First Meeting: Saturday, January 20th at 2pm
Black Diamond Library
We are starting a livestock judging program for intermediate and senior members. Please contact Susan McFarland at ltcmomof4@gmail.com if you are interested in this program or have questions!
Volunteer and Club Updates
Washington 4-H Policy Recommendation Process
Certified volunteers and volunteer groups are invited to submit new policy proposals or changes for consideration. Your input helps shape the future of 4-H in Washington!
Key Details:
- Deadline: December 15, 2025
- Submit via: Online Form
- Review: Attached document for timeline, instructions, and delegate allocations
- State Council Meeting: January 31, 2026
We encourage you to discuss recommendations within your local councils and share them with your local 4-H professional before submitting.
4-H State Fair Feedback Survey
Did you participate at the 2025 State Fair as an exhibitor? The State 4-H Fair Board has put together a survey to collect information about what went well and what could be improved upon at the State Fair. If you have questions or additional input, please email our State 4-H Fair Manager, Kellian Whidden at kellian.st4hfair@gmail.com.
Club Update Forms
All clubs — please complete the Club Update Form to ensure we have the most current information.
Curriculum Orders
Clubs can order one project book or curriculum per youth, covered by the county office.
Social Media and Website
We are looking for club, member, and volunteer shoutouts to feature in our newsletter and on social media. Share your highlights, kind words, and photos with aspen.dobbins@wsu.edu. New clubs, I would love to highlight you!
Our website is being updated and reorganized. Take a look around, and share suggestions or ideas with Aspen.
Thank you for all you do to make 4-H a vibrant community. We truly appreciate your dedication and wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, peace, and celebration. Thank you for being part of our community—we look forward to an exciting year ahead!