Pierce County 4-H
Clover Report
April 2026
Fun’Raiser
The Pierce County 4‑H Leaders Council invites you to our annual FUN’Raiser Open Show on April 25 at Frontier Park. Open to youth ages 5–18 including non‑4‑H members, (adults can participate in the Dog and Horse shows), this event offers a great opportunity to build ring and arena skills while supporting the 4‑H Leaders Council Grants and Scholarship Program.
The April Fun’Raiser features:
• Cats: Fitting & Showmanship, Type, and Agility
• Dogs: Showmanship, Obedience, Rally, AKC Canine Good Citizen, Novice Trick Tests, and a new Novice‑only Fetch Dog Fun Run
• Horses: Showmanship, Performance, Driving, In‑Hand classes, and Western Games
Times and entry fees vary—please refer to the individual event flyers for specifics and registration links.
Pre‑Registration Deadlines:
- Cats & Horses: April 22
- Dogs: April 15
- Day of registration will be available for all animals.
Small Animal Workshops are planned for June—watch for more details soon. Thank you for supporting Pierce County 4‑H youth!
Cloverbud Monthly Meet Up
Date change to April 18
Our Cloverbud meet up has been changed from April 4 to April 18. We will be doing a woodworking class making Birdhouses and decorating them at volunteer Bart Waldherr’s residence (72nd and Waller Rd area). Space is limited, please RSVP by April 4, to Shelley Friend
Spring Leaders Meeting
The Spring Leaders Meeting will be held on May 28, 2026 at 7:00 pm in the Allmendinger Center at WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center. All clubs are required to have a leader or senior member present in person to represent your club and receive important information.
Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign
Every spring and fall, Tractor Supply partners with 4‑H to support leadership activities for youth. A portion of the funds raised at the Puyallup and Spanaway Tractor Supply stores directly benefits Pierce County 4‑H.
The 2026 Paper Clover Campaign will run from April 17 through May 3. Stop by either store during these dates to purchase a Paper Clover and know that your contribution is helping support 4‑H youth right here in Pierce County.
Preliminary Public Presentations
Youth are invited to take part in our Preliminary Public Presentations on Saturday, May 30 at the 4-H office. This is a great opportunity to practice your presentation before the Pierce County Fair and receive helpful, supportive feedback from our judges.
Whether you are brand new to public speaking or looking to sharpen your skills, Preliminary Public Presentations offer a low-pressure environment to grow and gain confidence.
Registration is now open in 4HOnline.
Are you interested in Judging Public Presentations?
We’re looking for adults to serve as judges for youth public presentations at Preliminary Events and the Pierce County Fair.
Youth ages 5–18 will share their skills through demonstrations, illustrated talks, public speaking, and more. Judges offer positive feedback, encourage growth, and help create a welcoming learning environment.
No experience needed—training and guidelines provided – contact Shelley Friend.
4-H Volunteers Recognized at Pierce County Volunteer Brunch
Thank you to our volunteers that are being recognized this year at the Pierce County Volunteer Recognition Brunch. We appreciate all of our volunteers!!
- Golden Service Award – Julie Kennedy
- Special Achievement Award – Loli Mahoney
- Silver Service Award – Laura Mendoza
- Outstanding Group Award – 4-H of the Upper Nisqually Aaron Bell, Alicia Deery, Chris Farris, Rebecca Farris, Sharon Fisk, Andrea Green, Josh Howard, Paul Kresta, Scott Mountjoy and Bill Woodard
- Outstanding Group Award – Graham Crackers 4-H Club Donna Fellows, Lois Foess, Peggy Hall, Jeannie Hunt, Julie Kennedy, Lisa Lee, Shirley Lee, Laura Mendoza, Ann Vondereau, June Whitnall
- Outstanding Adult Award Cody Briggs, Alicia Deery, Faith Gage, Kathy Hansen, Kimberly Herring, Jennifer Hess, Chelsea Hogerhuis, Tara Larsen, Kaitlin Lawson, Michelle Norvell
- Honorable Mention Recognition Amber Benjamin, Sherrie Henke, Laurie Horn
Teen Conference – Save the Date
Event Information:
- Date: June 22-25, 2026
- Location: WSU Pullman Campus
- Ages: High School students who have completed 8th grade through 12th grade
- Registration – Will open in early May via 4-H Online
New STEM Project with Summer Kickoff Event
Pierce County 4‑H is excited to invite all members to a hands‑on STEM interest event on June 6 at the Frontier Park Rabbit Barn. During this kickoff session, participants will have the opportunity to build and launch their own water rocket, using 2‑liter soda bottles and compressed‑water propulsion. It’s a fun and engaging way for youth to explore physics, engineering, and the excitement of STEM in action.
Following this summer event, the STEM Project Club will begin meeting regularly in the fall. Meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Pierce County 4‑H Office.
Youth interested in joining the project and adults interested in helping lead – RSVP to Mike Seiber.
Pierce County 4-H Leaders Council Needs You
Did you know that all registered 4-H volunteers are automatically members of the Pierce County 4-H Leaders Council? This group plays a vital role in supporting youth, families, and clubs across our county—and we need your help.
The Leaders Council Executive Board is currently short on volunteers. The Leaders Council helps provide many programs including Super Saturday, Teen Rally, scholarships for graduating seniors, grants for members and clubs, Fun’Raiser, supports 4-H activities county wide.
The Board meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 7:00 PM (in person with a Zoom option), and volunteers can serve in a variety of roles—including several current openings- i.e. Recognition, Education, Cats, Still Life Art/Photography, and Teen Leaders. Members may also serve in more than one position.
Council meetings are open to all! Join us on April 16 at 7:00 PM at the 4-H Office to learn more and get involved or email Mike Seiber for the Zoom link if you would like to join virtually.
Shooting Sports – National Qualifying Event
Attention all Intermediates and Seniors in Shooting Sports
4-H of the Upper Nisqually is hosting the Washington State 4-H National Qualifying Event in Eatonville, WA on May 15-17, 2026 for Intermediates and Seniors. Registration is through Fair Entry Registration for smallbore rifle, air rifle, smallbore pistol, air pistol, muzzleloading, compound and recurve archery is $100. Shotgun is $125. Dry camping is available on site for $40 per family for the weekend.
Since we are hosting the qualifier May 2026 for the Seniors to go to the National Championships in June 2027, we have made an allowance for youth that will be 14 years old by January 1, 2027. This allowance is for those youth that have parent permission can shoot with the seniors for a chance to qualify to go to Nationals in June 2027. This email needs to be sent by parents to Rebecca Farris by May 1st.
Any questions can be directed to Rebecca Farris
Join the 4‑H Performing Arts at the Fair!
The 4‑H Performing Arts Department is excited to invite current youth members, Cloverbuds, Leaders and Alumni to share their talents at this year’s Pierce County fair. If you enjoy singing, dancing, acting, playing an instrument, or making people laugh, there’s a place for you on our stage.
Participants can enter in several fun and creative divisions:
• Vocal/Instrumental – Solo or group performances featuring singing or musical instruments.
• Drama – Monologues, short scenes, or theater pieces.
• Comedy – Family-friendly comedy acts, skits, or stand‑up.
• Dance – Any style of dance, from ballet to hip‑hop to cultural dances.
• Variety Act – A great fit for unique talents, mixed‑skill performances, or something completely original!
In addition to live performance opportunities, we also offer a Performing Arts Item Division, ideal for exhibitors who enjoy the behind‑the‑scenes magic. Youth can display:
• Dioramas of performing arts scenes
• Costumes designed or created by the exhibitor
• Props used in performances
• Any other handmade items connected to the performing arts
This is an opportunity for 4‑H members to express creativity, build confidence, and share their hard work with the community. Whether you’re stepping into the spotlight or showcasing the craftsmanship that supports the performance, we look forward to seeing what you bring to the fair. Registration is through FairEntry. If you have any questions contact Jodi.
Horse Judging Buckle Series
The Horse Department is excited to announce a new series of judging competitions designed to introduce youth to the horse judging program and encourage participation throughout the year. Participants will have the opportunity to be selected for the Pierce County 4‑H State Fair Judging Teams. Junior, Intermediate, and Senior teams will be chosen from youth who attend the series. These events offer a supportive environment for learning, practicing skills, and preparing for future competitions.
Events
- April 12
- May 2
- June 20
All events will be held at Meridian Riding Club – 11202 119th St E, Puyallup. Registration opens at 9:00 AM, and judging begins at 9:30 AM. High Point Buckles will be awarded to the top Junior, Intermediate, and Senior participants who attend at least two of the events. An Educational Only option is available this year for those who are new to judging
We need volunteers! If you’re interested in helping, please email Jessica or Carrie. We are looking for riders, handlers, and general volunteers to assist with judging support tasks such as circling and event setup.
State 4-H Teen Opportunities
Teen Rally – Shelton WA
- $50 per teen,
- Open to Youth 8-12 grade
- Register by April 13 through 4honline.
Military Teen Adventure Camp
WSU is hosting its sixth annual Military Teen Adventure Camp (ages 13 to 18) in the San Juan Islands this July, offering camp to teenagers of active duty, guard, reserve, and retired military personnel at very low cost. Campers have options for various weeks in July and adventures (hiking, kayaking, swimming, archery, ropes courses and BMX) that are offered. Applications are open until the sessions fill. For more information and to apply, visit the Military Teen Adventure Camp website.
Youth Film Festival
If you are a film maker under the age of 18, and have created an anime, short or feature film, we invite you to submit your completed project for possible showing at the 2026 Youth Film Festival. Selected film makers will be contacted by June 30th if their film has been chosen for the festival. The big event will be held from 3p-5p on August 8, 2026 at the Clyde Theater in Langley, Washington. For more information check out the Youth Film Festival website, or email R-A Mazzola
Activities to Participate in at the Pierce County Fair …
Public Presentations – Why They Matter…
4-H public presentations are more than just speeches – they’re structured, educational experiences designed to help youth build critical life skills, including confidence, poise, and effective communication. For more information check out the 4-H How to Make A Public Presentation Manual. Registration is through FairEntry.
Public Presentations
Demonstrations / Illustrated Talk / PowerPoint Presentations
Demonstrations, Illustrated Talk and PowerPoint Presentations are open to all Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors. A maximum of 20 minutes is scheduled and Team Public Presentations are encouraged.
A demonstration puts words into action. An effective demonstration teaches others how to do something by showing while telling. At the end, you should have a finished product.
Examples include: how to cook an egg, how to groom a dog, how to needle-felt
An illustrated talk and/or a PowerPoint presentation makes use of posters, pictures, PowerPoint or other visuals to show how to do something or illustrate a process. No finished product is required.
Examples include: how to plan a garden, how to distinguish horse markings,
Public Speaking / Persuasive Speech
Public Speaking or a Persuasive Speech is a prepared speech on a specific subject for an audience. Usually, no
props or visual aids are used. 4-Hers use this type of presentation to teach, entertain, and/or inform their audiences. (Intermediates and Seniors only)
Examples include: why I like the 4-H cat project, 4-H around the world, what compassion looks like in my community.
Impromptu Speaking
This activity is open to intermediates and seniors. Participants will draw two topics from a hat, choose one, and have one minute to prepare. Speeches must be 90 seconds to 5 minutes long.
Topics relate to today’s youth, including current events, 4‑H, and social issues. Examples include:
• If I were an author, I would write about…
• One issue facing teenagers today is…
• If my personality were a tree, it would be…
• What has being in 4‑H taught me?
Table Setting Activity
Participants have one hour to set a table for two in front of a judge. Bring a written plan with your menu and the occasion you’re designing for. Use your own dishes, utensils, glassware, linens, and centerpiece items.
Show off your creativity, style, and table‑setting skills! For more info on how to set a table see the 4-H Table Setting Activity Manual. Registration is through FairEntry.