From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in San Juan County are proving they’re not just ready for the future – they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5–11, 2025, we will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.
As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030. In San Juan County, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop public speaking skills, lead community service projects, practice financial literacy, bake, cook, grow their own food, raise livestock, make lifelong friends, and learn by doing!
“4-H gives our youth a space to grow into leaders who care deeply about their community and future. We see that every day in the way they show up to learn and lead.” said Clinton Gauthier, 4-H Program Coordinator, San Juan County Extension Office.
WSU Extension San Juan County and its team of staff, volunteers, and mentors deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. From showcasing their projects at the county fair or helping with beach clean-ups, youth are learning skills such as teamwork, resilience, and communication—skills that will serve them in their career and for life.
“At a time when young people are navigating more uncertainty than ever, 4-H offers them a place to grow, lead, and find their spark,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth gain real-world skills and experiences to help them become confident leaders who are resilient, confident, and Beyond Ready for the future.”
During National 4-H Week, 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.
To learn more about local 4-H programs or get involved, contact Clinton Gauthier, San Juan County 4-H Program Coordinator or visit the San Juan County 4-H webpage.
ABOUT 4-H
4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs reach nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. Through the Beyond Ready national initiative, 4-H aims to increase that number to ten million youth annually by 2030. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to have the goal of being a leader; two times more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose; and three times more likely to participate in community service.
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