Mason County 4-H Council Meeting Minutes

Date: July 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM

Members in Attendance

Melissa, Katie, Natalie, Logan, Owen, Julia, Justine, Jamie, and Falyn

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Melissa at 6:01 PM.

2. Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge

The pledges were recited.

3. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes

Approval of the May meeting minutes was postponed until the August council meeting to allow for revisions.

4. Treasurer’s Report

Financial Updates:

  • Current account balance: Correct and accounted for.

5. Committee Reports

Summer Camp

Blayne reported that the 2026 summer camp welcomed 84 campers. Cabins averaged approximately 10 campers each, with the largest cabin housing 14 youth who may become future Counselors-in-Training.

Camp also resulted in several new volunteer prospects and increased interest in joining local 4-H clubs.

6. Club Spotlight

Tech Change Makers (TCM)

Tech Change Makers has been accepted to present at the Penn State Teen Leadership Conference during the Passion Sparks Opportunity program. Members will present the Dementia Friends program on February 6 to youth ages 13–18. The conference will be held February 5–7.

The team received $1,000 in funding to support travel expenses, with registration and hotel costs expected to be fully covered.

Barn Bums

The club continues working on dog obedience skills, including stand and stay. Members also assisted with setup of the dog barn at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds.

7. Other Business

State Teen Conference Debrief

Natalie shared highlights from the conference, including tours of the veterinary school and dairy facilities. She noted that many workshops were lecture-based but enjoyed presenting the Dementia Friends workshop alongside four other Tech Change Makers members.

Falyn encouraged greater youth involvement in leading workshops at future conferences and noted opportunities to continue improving the conference experience.

Jamie recommended increasing opportunities for teens to facilitate sessions during the Washington State 4-H Teen Conference and plans to share ideas used at the Penn State conference.

Clover Kids Debrief

Owen reported that one Steamboat Island family attended the Clover Kids event and participated in painting and craft activities.

The next Clover Kids session is planned for October 13 prior to the annual Club Kick-Off event.

Fair Updates

Still Life cleanup begins July 22, with exhibit setup and judging beginning Sunday, July 26.

YMCA Community Days

Falyn will represent Mason County 4-H at the August YMCA Community Days event. Farm at Water’s Edge will participate in the October event.

End-of-Year Recognition Event

The annual recognition event is scheduled for November 8 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Planning assignments include:

  • Assign event tasks during the August council meeting.
  • Reserve the Public Works meeting space.
  • Teen planning committee to develop a proposed budget before the August meeting.
  • Adult volunteers will be assigned to support individual planning tasks.

8. Upcoming Dates

  • July 20–23 – Still Life Drop-Off, WSU Extension Office, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
  • July 22 – 4-H Fair Orientation and Still Life Setup, 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM
  • July 26 – Still Life Entries Due (Educational Posters, Photography, Textiles, Creative Arts and more), 1:00–6:00 PM, Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds Pavilion
  • July 28 – Plant Science, Baked Goods and Food Entries Due, 1:00–6:00 PM, Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds Pavilion
  • July 28 – Animal Haul-In and Veterinary Check
  • July 29–August 1 – Grays Harbor County Fair
  • August 2 – Still Life Pickup and Cleanup
  • August 6–11 – Falyn out of office (available online as needed)
  • August 10 – Horse Council Meeting
  • August 11 – Mason County 4-H Council Meeting (Zoom)
  • August 3–31 – Record Books due to receive project pins
  • September 4–27 – Washington State Fair
  • September 15 – Mason County 4-H Open House and Council Meeting
  • September 30 – Outstanding Leader Application Due
  • September 30 – Year-End Award and Project Pin Applications Due

9. Next Council Meeting

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (via Zoom)

Meeting adjourned at 6:42 PM.