{"id":312,"date":"2014-01-22T15:50:52","date_gmt":"2014-01-22T23:50:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/thurston\/?page_id=312"},"modified":"2026-03-17T13:45:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T21:45:20","slug":"youth","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/thurston\/youth\/","title":{"rendered":"Thurston County 4-H"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n

What is 4-H?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

4-H is America\u2019s largest youth development organization \u2014 empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime. We believe in the power of young people; that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. It\u2019s our goal to empower kids with the skills to lead for a lifetime through a program that is proven to grow true leaders with life skills like confidence, compassion, and resilience.<\/p>\n

4-H grows caring, competent, capable youth, equipping them with the life skills they need to thrive, succeed,\u00a0and\u00a0make a positive difference in their world.<\/p>\n

WSU 4-H Youth Development is committed to providing safe and inclusive environments for all<\/em> youth and adults\u00a0regardless 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Learn more at the National 4-H website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Who can join?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Any child age 5 through 18 as of October 1 of the current 4-H year, can join and 4-H is open to all children, youth and teens. WSU Extension programs, employment, and volunteer service are available to all without discrimination.\u00a0(WSU Executive Policy #15<\/a>)<\/p>\n

4-H Age is determined by\u00a0October 1\u00a0the beginning of the 4-H year. New members can join at any time.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Cloverbuds are 5-7 years of age<\/strong>
\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Juniors are 8-10<\/strong>
\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Intermediates are 11-13<\/strong>
\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Seniors are 14- less than 19<\/strong><\/p>\n

What will I do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Members \u201clearn by doing.\u201d Through hands-on learning experiences, members with guidance and mentoring from adult volunteers, learn skills that will last a lifetime. 4-H is the youth development organization of our nation\u2019s Cooperative Extension System and USDA.<\/p>\n

4-H clubs\u00a0explore projects and curriculum, carry out service projects, and hold events and activities\u00a0that interest their members.\u00a0Here\u2019s a list of the available projects<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4-H out-of-school programs\u00a0focus on healthy living, science and technology, life skill development, and fun and games.
\n4-H teen activities\u00a0focus on citizenship, service and leadership development.<\/p>\n

Who\u00a0provides 4-H leadership?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

WSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program\u00a0Certified Volunteers have completed the WSU Extension 4-H Volunteer screening process and are officially designated as representatives and leaders of the 4-H program. They supervise and direct 4-H programs and projects.<\/p>\n

How do I sign up?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Youth enrollment is completed online at\u00a04-H Online<\/a> BUT only after connecting with a club leader<\/strong>. For a list of 4-H clubs accepting new members, the projects each club offers, and leader contact information, go to 2025-26 Thurston County Clubs (pdf)<\/a>. Questions? Contact the Thurston County 4-H Office at 360-867-2157 or tc4h@co.thurston.wa.us<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Support 4-H<\/h2>\n

Donations support the 4-H program at the club, county, state and national levels. To make an online donation to Thurston County 4-H go to WSU Foundation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

WSU Thurston County Extension & 4-H Office Hours:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The WSU Extension Office is open to the public Tuesday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n

Contact us at:<\/strong>
\n3054 Carpenter Rd SE
\nOlympia, WA 98503
\nemail: tc4h@co.thurston.wa.us<\/a>
\nphone: (360) 867-2157<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"\n