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4-H Youth Development

Program Contact: Dorothy Elsner, 4-H Program Coordinator
360-395-2360 • dorothy.elsner@wsu.edu

Welcome to Skagit County 4-H!

Skagit County has a long and strong 4-H tradition. Approximately 500 youth between grades K through 12 are educated by around 100 leaders throughout the county. Skagit County 4-H brings countless opportunities for leadership, citizenship, and life skills development!

A wide variety of projects are offered. From the popular horses and dogs projects to woodworking, gardening, robotics, drama and wildlife, the 4-H program has something for everyone. The program is active year-round and teaches youth responsibility, confidence, and general life skills through project participation.

The Skagit County 4-H programs are delivered by the WSU  4-H Program Coordinator. The 4-H volunteers are dedicated, caring adults who work in cooperation with the county extension office.

Head, Heart, Hands, Health

What is 4-H?

4-H is the youth development education program of Washington State University Extension, which is conducted jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, your state land grant university (WSU) and Skagit County. Today 4-H is everywhere–in cities, suburbs, small towns, and rural communities. In the 21st century, 4-H serves a broad clientele with expanded program using a variety of ways to “learn by doing.”

Who can join 4-H?

4-H is open to every youth, ages 5-19, without discrimination!

There are four age groups* in which you can do a wide variety of projects and activities:

  • Cloverbuds: ages 5-7
  • Junior: ages 8-10
  • Intermediate: ages 11-13
  • Senior: ages 14 to less than 19 

*Shooting sports and large animal projects require youth to be at least 8 years of age on October 1st to participate.

How to Join 4-H

You can join 4-H in a few easy steps:

  • Find a Club:
    • Find a club that offers leadership in a project you’re interested in. Contact the extension office to find a club or start your own.
  • Decide on a Project:
    • There are numerous different project opportunities for 4-H members to participate in and with self-determined projects.
  • Enroll in 4-H online:
  • Get involved and HAVE FUN!

Need help? Please contact the extension office or take a look at this enrollment guide.

Vision

Washington State University 4-H Youth Development is developing young people to become productive citizens who are engaged in positive change, meeting the needs of a diverse and changing society.

Mission

4-H youth development education creates supportive environments for all youth and families to reach their fullest potential.

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. We reach out to kids and their families to build skills for real life. WSU 4-H Youth Development is committed to providing safe and inclusive environments for all youth and adults regardless of race; sex; gender; sexual orientation; gender identity/expression; religion; age; color; creed; national or ethnic origin; citizenship; physical, mental, or sensory ability; genetic information; and/or status as an honorably discharged veteran or member of the military.

Did you know that 4-H…
  • Has more than 7 million participants between the ages of 5-19 (grades K-12)
  • Has more than 600,000 volunteers, working directly and indirectly with youth
  • Has more than 45 million 4-H alumni
  • Has been around since 1902 and going strong while adapting to the many changes within society

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