Mason County 4-H Council Meeting Minutes

Date: March 10, 2026

Members in Attendance

Melissa, Katie, Justine, Jamie, Stephanie, Krystal, Bethany, Jemima, Falyn, Dan, Natalie, and Logan

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Melissa.

2. Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge

The pledges were recited.

3. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes

The previous meeting minutes were reviewed and approved.

4. Treasurer’s Report

Nichole reported that a Google Sheet has been developed to assist future treasurers with financial tracking.

Financial Updates:

  • Account balances were confirmed and balanced.
  • A certificate of deposit valued at $5,300 will roll over at maturity.

5. Committee Reports

Summer Camp

Camp enrollment is currently in Phase 1. Phase 2 enrollment will begin at the end of March.

Counselor training was recently held overnight at Panhandle.

Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp is currently seeking new board members. Board meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month.

6. Club Spotlight

  • Ridge Creek: Hosting trail clinics in partnership with the Equestrians of Mason County.
  • Key Peninsula: Planning a horse experience at Hamilton Hill Farm in April. Youth will learn barn care skills and basic riding.
  • Barn Bums: Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month. The club recently held a dog practice session.
  • Steamboat Island: March meeting had strong attendance. In late February the club visited a glassblowing studio in Tacoma, where each youth created a glass paperweight. Another art activity at a ceramics studio is planned. Two new families attended the most recent club meeting.
  • Tech Change Makers: Youth participants are preparing to travel to Washington, DC to attend the Ignite Conference.

7. Other Business

Bylaws and Constitution

Council bylaws will be reviewed and updated during the April meeting.

Forest Festival

The Forest Festival will take place on May 30. Clubs discussed possible ways to participate. A coordinator is needed to help organize participation.

Flag Project

A flag-building project hosted by Sierra Pacific is due May 30. Clubs may participate by designing and entering a flag project. Key Peninsula and Steamboat Island clubs expressed interest. A coordinator is needed to help organize participation if a collaborative flag is wanted as a Mason County 4-H submission.

Record Book Workshops

Katie will host record book workshops at the Extension Office. These sessions will provide open work time with guidance and examples available for youth. Workshop dates will be announced soon.

Teen Rally

The Teen Rally “Blossom into Leadership” will take place May 2–3 at Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp in collaboration with neighboring counties. The event focuses on leadership development using the theme “Facilitate the Awesome.” Registration is currently open for youth in grades 8 through 12.

Extension Office Open House

An open house will be held April 14 from 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM at the WSU Extension Office. The goal is to host this event twice per year. Clubs are invited to have representatives present to share about their programs. Current participants include Barn Bums, Farm at Water’s Edge, and Forest Adventures.

Community Food Drive

A food drive is planned for May 9 in Union, Hoodsport, and Shelton. 4-H has been invited by a community member to participate as a service organization.

Bike Rodeo and Safety Day

Public Works invited 4-H to participate in a Bike Rodeo and Safety Day at Olympic Middle School on June 27. Clubs may host a booth focused on health or safety education. Volunteers are needed for this all-day event.

8. Upcoming Dates

  • March 16–18 – Falyn out of office
  • March 24–29 – Ignite Conference
  • April 1 – Deadline to enroll in 4-H Online to be eligible for county fair participation
  • April 4 – Panhandle Easter Egg Hunt (Counselor Volunteer Opportunity)
  • April 6 – Horse Council Meeting
  • April 14 – Open House at WSU Extension Office, 5:00 PM
  • April 14 – Mason County 4-H Council Meeting, 6:15 PM
  • April 19 – Public Presentation Workshop, WSU Extension Office in Elma, 3:00 PM
  • April 21–28 – Falyn traveling
  • May 2–3 – Teen Rally: Blossom into Leadership
  • May 3 – Public Presentation Workshop, WSU Extension Office in Elma, 3:00 PM
  • May 8–9 – Overnight Counselor Training at Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp

9. Next Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 14, 2026