4-H Program
Program Contact
Clinton Gauthier, 4-H Program CoordinatorPhone NumberCall or Text: (360) 350-2209 Email Address • sanjuan.4-h@wsu.edu
What is 4-H?
4-H is a youth development program in every county and parish in the country – in Washington State it is sponsored by Washington State University. With its earliest roots in the 1800s, and the first youth club formed in 1902, 4-H has become the nation’s largest youth development organization.
Our vision is a world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change. 4-H’ers around the country are tackling some of the most current topics such as global food security, climate change, and sustainable energy. Their projects range from agricultural and animal sciences to rocketry, robotics, environmental protection and computer science. Required community service gives them an opportunity for civic responsibility and engagement.The “learn by doing” approach and mentoring by knowledgeable, talented islanders, fosters leadership, responsibility, and caring, that strengthens our families and communities. Our San Juan County 4-H youth receive guidance from adult leaders and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles themselves, putting to use the 4 H’s: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
Upcoming 4-H Events
Latest Local 4-H News
- San Juan County 4‑H Teens Gain Firsthand Legislative Experience at 2026 Know Your Government Conference Five San Juan County 4‑H delegates traveled to Olympia over Presidents’ Day weekend to participate in the 2026 Know Your Government Conference, gaining hands‑on experience with Washington’s legislative process through bill drafting, committee testimony, floor debate, and meetings with local lawmakers.
- 2026 Know Your Government Conference – San Juan County 4‑H Impact Report San Juan County 4‑H delegates spent Presidents’ Day weekend in Olympia exploring Washington’s legislative process through hands‑on bill drafting, committee hearings, floor debate, and meetings with local lawmakers at the 2026 Know Your Government Conference.
- Growing Resilience: Youth Lead and Learn at the 2026 Ag Summit Youth Track Thirteen island youth stepped into leadership, learning, and creativity during the 2026 Ag Summit Youth Track. Through hands‑on workshops in seed starting, worm‑bin composting, chick husbandry, and agricultural art, participants gained practical skills and strengthened their connection to local agriculture—all while working side-by-side with community educators and producers committed to fostering the next generation of land stewards.
4-H in the Press
4-H has been getting lots of press lately, both nationally and locally. Check out this article about how 4-H is helping teach kids about healthy relationships. Or this one about the ups and downs of being a 4-H’er – and how it all pays off in the end.
New WSU Club allows students to add or maintain 4-H Experience
The purpose of a collegiate 4-H program is to promote community service, leadership development, and professional development. University programs also encourage positive youth development, host educational workshops, and judge youth competitions.
