The 4-H Youth Development Program matches young people with adults who share common interests. Whether it be animals, technology, plants or the arts, we work to find adults who are willing to work with youth to learn new skills as they develop. WSU Extension provides a base of educational and research knowledge to draw upon as we implement our many projects.
In Okanogan County, we sponsor 7 main program areas:
- Animal Science
- Engineering & Technology
- Environmental Stewardship
- Expressive Arts
- Family & Consumer Sciences
- Plant Sciences
- Social Sciences
Youth learn related skills and knowledge in each program area. Additionally, all youth have the opportunity to participate in Public Presentations (learning to speak and present information in a public forum), Record Keeping (maintaining written, creative or digital records of goals and progress) and Reasons/Judging (learning how to use critical thinking to make appropriate decisions). These activities focus on life skills attainment. Through practicing and planning, youth develop decision-making, responsibility, self- confidence and goal-setting skills.
Animal Science
Whether you are interested in household pets or market livestock, 4-H offers the program for you. We have volunteers ready to assist you in learning more about caring for animals, training your animal or growing animals as a food source. Our programs are grounded in the latest research available from universities across the nation.
Equine
Our equine program involves many disciplines including English, Western, Dressage, Over Fences, Gaming, Driving, Trail Horse in the Field and Reining. Program activities include educational clinics, knowledge-based contests (Horse Bowl, Hippology, Horse Judging), horse shows. Many program participants have competed at state and national events.
Livestock
Youth participate in the livestock program areas to learn how to effectively breed and raise market animals. Our program consists primarily of beef, sheep and swine; dairy and fiber animals, as well as some companion animals are included as well.
In addition to showing livestock at the Evergreen State Fair and surrounding fairs in the area, youth may choose to participate in our livestock judging program. Our county has been honored to sponsor several young people to the National 4-H Dairy Competitions and National 4-H Livestock Competitions. For more information on these programs, please call the 4-H Office.
Small Animals
Rabbits, cavies, poultry and cat projects make up our Small Animal Program. Youth engaged in these project areas learn how to care for their animal and participate in competitive shows to demonstrate their ability to work with their animal. We host three shows each year, as well as facilitate the small animal exhibits at the Evergreen State Fair.
For more information on these programs, please call the 4-H office at 509-422-7239.