November 2026 4-H Newsletter
From the Extension Office
A New 4-H Year Begins
For many people, the county fair is what first comes to mind when they think about 4-H. The fair is certainly an exciting part of the program, but it represents just a small portion of the learning that takes place throughout the year.
As we begin another 4-H year, we are excited to welcome returning families and those joining us for the first time. Whether your interests include livestock, photography, robotics, citizenship, gardening, shooting sports, public presentations, or leadership, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to learn by doing while developing confidence, responsibility, and life skills.
Thank you for helping make San Juan County 4-H a vibrant and welcoming community. We look forward to another year of learning and growth together.
Upcoming Events
Important Dates
Full list of upcoming dates and deadlines
November 7 – 11:30 – 1:30
More information can be found at the registration page.
Throughout November
For complete guidance on 4-H Club finances, refer to: WSU Club Financial Information
December 1
Looking for a Club Meeting?
We have a shared google calendar that shows all of the known club meetings, dates, times, and locations as well as any county wide events on it. This is a great place to check for upcoming events and meetings!
What Happens After Fair?
Thank You for a Great 2026 Fair
Before looking ahead, we’d like to thank everyone who contributed to another successful San Juan County Fair.
From youth exhibitors and volunteers to superintendents, judges, buyers, parents, fair staff, and community supporters, countless individuals worked together to create meaningful experiences for our members.
The fair showcases the hard work and dedication of our youth, but it is also a celebration of the community that supports them throughout the year.
Thank you for investing your time, talents, and encouragement into San Juan County 4-H.
4-H Is More Than Fair
Many community members see 4-H during fair week, but the exhibits, demonstrations, livestock projects, and presentations represent months of learning and effort.
Throughout the year, members:
- Learn valuable project skills
- Practice leadership
- Participate in community service
- Develop public speaking abilities
- Explore career pathways
- Build positive relationships with peers and adult mentors
While ribbons and awards provide recognition for accomplishments, the true value of 4-H lies in the confidence, skills, and experiences youth gain along the way.
As clubs begin meeting and project groups start planning, now is the perfect time to set goals for the year ahead and explore new opportunities.
Celebrating Our 4-H Community
Building Momentum for a New 4-H Year
As clubs and project groups begin meeting for the new 4-H year, one thing is already clear: there is tremendous excitement and creativity throughout San Juan County 4-H.
Our volunteers have been hard at work developing new opportunities that allow youth to explore interests, learn practical skills, and connect with others who share their passions.
At the first Ramblers meeting of the year, nearly 30 youth participated in hands-on woodworking and nature crafting activities led by volunteer Leslie and a dedicated team of club leaders. The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by our members was a wonderful reminder of what makes 4-H so special.
Across the county, volunteers are also working to expand opportunities in a variety of project areas, including:
- Sewing
- Knitting and fiber arts
- Rocketry
- Fishing
- Woodworking
- Outdoor and environmental education
- Leadership and citizenship programs
These opportunities are possible because volunteers are willing to share their time, talents, and experience with young people.
Whether a member wants to build a birdhouse, launch a rocket, learn to knit, explore the natural world, or develop leadership skills, San Juan County 4-H continues to grow through the creativity and dedication of our volunteers.
We are excited to see where these new ideas lead throughout the coming year.
Enrollment for the 2026–2027 4-H Year is Open
The new 4-H year is underway, and enrollment is now open for youth members and volunteers.
Returning members are encouraged to complete enrollment as soon as possible, while new families are welcome to join at any time before April 30.
Whether you’re continuing a favorite project or exploring something new, enrollment is the first step toward another year of learning and growth.
- Returning Members: Re-enroll now
- New Families: Join anytime
- Volunteers: Complete annual enrollment
- Questions? Contact the Extension Office
New to 4-H?
Starting something new can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to know everything to be successful in 4-H.
Some of the best advice for new families is:
- Attend meetings regularly
- Ask questions
- Get involved
- Focus on learning
- Try something new
Every experienced 4-H member and volunteer started exactly where you are today. New families are encouraged to contact the Extension Office if they would like assistance finding a club or project area that matches their interests.
We’re glad you’re here.
Youth Leadership Opportunities
Island Leaders Club Launches This Fall
One of the greatest benefits of 4-H is the opportunity for youth to develop leadership skills.
Leadership can take many forms:
- Serving as a club officer
- Leading activities
- Mentoring younger members
- Organizing service projects
- Representing their community
We’re excited to begin organizing the Island Leaders Club, a new countywide opportunity for middle and high school youth interested in leadership, citizenship, service, and civic engagement.
During its first year, participants will explore leadership development while helping our high school delegation prepare for involvement in the Know Your Government (KYG) program.
Whether you’re interested in public policy, public speaking, community service, or simply becoming a stronger leader, this program is designed for you.
No prior leadership experience is necessary & participation in the Know Your Government Conference is not required.
Interested in Joining?
Island Leaders Club is open to middle and high school youth interested in leadership, citizenship, service, and making a difference in their communities.
The first organizational meeting is still being scheduled, so please let us know if you are interested in joining. Youth do not need previous leadership experience to participate.
The Adults Behind the Program
4-H succeeds because volunteers choose to invest their time, talents, and energy in young people.
Club leaders, project leaders, superintendents, committee members, chaperones, and event volunteers all play an important role in creating meaningful learning experiences for youth.
As we begin a new year, we want to thank the volunteers who continue to support San Juan County 4-H and welcome anyone interested in becoming involved.
You don’t need to be an expert. You simply need a willingness to help young people learn and grow.
Helping Volunteers Succeed
To support volunteers throughout the year, a new online Volunteer Resource Hub has been developed.
The resource hub includes guidance and tools related to:
- Running a club
- Club finances
- Officer resources
- Communication strategies
- Policies and procedures
- Volunteer training
The goal is simple: make it easier for volunteers to find answers and spend more time working with youth.
Ready for a Great 2026-27 4-H Year?
Whether you’re returning for another year or joining 4-H for the first time, there are many ways to get involved this fall.
Your Next Steps
- Complete enrollment for the new 4-H year
- Attend your next club meeting
- Explore a new project area
- Join Island Leaders Club or KYG
- Visit the Volunteer Resource Hub
- Follow San Juan County 4-H on Facebook
- Watch for upcoming county events and workshops
We’re excited to see what our members, volunteers, and families accomplish together during the coming year.
We enjoyed yesterday afternoon, and are looking forward to another year full of 4-H Fun.
Family who attended Rambler General Club meeting on 10.28