Date: April 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Members in Attendance
Katie, Melissa, Owen, Justine, Logan, Dan, Falyn, Bethany, Wendy, Laura, Clarence, Katie Mak, Hunter, Amy, and Erin
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 the council books have been audited. The online tracking system has been updated using Google Sheets with improved formulas for easier tracking.
Financial Updates:
- Account balances were confirmed and balanced.
5. Committee Reports
Summer Camp
The program is entering the final phase of registration, which is now open to youth from outside counties and non-active 4-H members.
Counselor overnight training is scheduled for May 8 at Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp.
6. Club Spotlight
- Key Peninsula: Recently completed a garden project at a local site. Photography projects are progressing, including matting work completed at the last meeting.
- Country Cadence: One active member is planning to show a chicken at the county fair. The club continues to meet via Zoom to stay connected.
- Barn Bums: Club operations continue, including a successful dog training session. The club is preparing for the Dog Pre-Fair event in May.
- Farm at Water’s Edge: Archery programming is being developed. Families remain engaged through ongoing community garden work at the Salmon Center. An alpaca project participant has been invited to bring animals to the fair.
- Steamboat Island: Recently held a ceramics class and participated in sewing projects through a community partnership. Cooking projects are ongoing despite limited kitchen access.
- Tech Change Makers: Presented another Dementia Friends session on April 8. This followed the return of four teens from the National Ignite Conference in Washington, D.C.
7. Other Business
Bylaws and Constitution
The updated bylaws and constitution were approved. Revisions include simplifying and consolidating meeting types into one council meeting format.
Forest Festival
Barn Bums will coordinate the parade entry and provide transportation. A countywide message will be sent with additional participation details. Clubs are encouraged to communicate if they plan to join.
Flag Project
The Mason County 4-H flag was completed during the Open House event. Two additional clubs received materials and will submit completed flags by May 27.
Record Book Workshops
Workshops will be held at the Extension Office on April 16, April 30, and May 7 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. These sessions provide open work time, support, and opportunities to connect with other 4-H members.
Teen Rally
The Teen Rally “Blossom into Leadership” has been canceled due to low registration.
Community Food Drive
The May 9 food drive in Union, Hoodsport, and Shelton is being coordinated by Forest Adventures in Union, with additional support from Steamboat Island. More volunteers are welcome to participate.
Bike Rodeo and Safety Day
Planning continues for participation in the June 27 event at Olympic Middle School. A 4-H alum will assist with the bike safety portion. Clubs and members are encouraged to help staff an informational booth.
Public Speaking Opportunities
A public presentation event is being planned for early June at the Extension Office to allow youth to practice presentations and receive feedback.
State Teen Conference
Registration will open soon. A group of Mason County youth plans to attend and present a workshop. Coordination with Thurston County is being explored.
Dog Pre-Fair Event
A request was made for the Dog Club to provide food for the May 9 event. A motion was made and approved by the council.
8. Upcoming Dates
- April 16 – Record Book Workshop, WSU Extension Office, Shelton, 5:00 PM
- April 18 – Earth Day and Resource Fair, Shelton Family YMCA
- April 19 – Public Presentation Workshop, WSU Extension Office, Elma, 3:00 PM
- April 21–28 – Staff out of office
- April 30 – Record Book Workshop, WSU Extension Office, Shelton, 5:00 PM
- May 1 – Deadline to add 4-H projects for fair eligibility
- May 3 – Public Presentation Workshop, WSU Extension Office, Elma, 3:00 PM
- May 7 – Record Book Workshop, WSU Extension Office, Shelton, 5:00 PM
- May 8–9 – Overnight Counselor Training at Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp
- May 12 – Mason County 4-H Council Meeting
- May 25 – Memorial Day (Office Closed)
9. Next Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 12, 2026