Thurston County 4-H News
Remember to Enroll for the 2026-27 4-H Year
4-H members and volunteers must re-enroll annually in 4-H Online in order to maintain membership. Reference the 4-H Online Family Enrollment Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to enroll.
Please email the 4-H Office if you would like to request a member fee scholarship or if your child is a Wellpoint member. Wellpoint is partnering with Washington State 4-H and will pay the $25 state 4-H membership fee for all Wellpoint members.
New 4-H Project Opportunity Beginning in October
Do you have a Pokémon-obsessed kid? Are they trying to “catch ‘em all” while you want them to learn it all? Join Thurston County 4-H for our STEM Pokémon Project!
Each month we will follow the journey of Ash and Pikachu by learning the science around each gym’s Pokémon type through a hands-on project. Afterwards, we will learn how to become a better player and sportsman, focusing on the trading card game.
This project is open to all ages; no experience or cards are necessary to join in. Please note: Youth must be enrolled in a Thurston County 4-H club to participate.
Meetings will be held the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm in the WSU Thurston County Extension Office (Thurston County Fairgrounds) beginning October 21.
For more information and to RSVP please email 4-H volunteer and Pokémon Professor Justin Spruiell at justinspruiell@gmail.com.
4-H Achievement Celebration–Hold the Date
Hold the date – The annual Achievement Afternoon celebration is scheduled for Sunday, November 22! Remember to turn in Record Books and Award Nomination Forms:
- Drop off record books at the WSU Extension 4-H Office by Thursday, October 29 to receive project achievement awards. Be sure to make corrections to your record book based on the fair judge’s feedback and add new information if appropriate. You may drop off record books any time during regular business hours (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:00am-4:00pm), or until 8:00pm on October 20, 21 and 22.
- Nominations for Leader of the Year and Teen Leader of the year are due October 11.
- All other nominations are due no later than October 25.
- All nomination forms are found on the Thurston County 4-H Youth Development Website: Award Nomination Forms
Upcoming Opportunities for 4-H Teens
- Saddle up for the Northwest Washington 2026 Teen Summit! Grab your boots and get ready for a weekend of leadership, learning, connection, and fun! Hosted by Skagit County, the 2026 Washington 4-H Teen Summit is open to 4-H teens ages 12–18 from across Washington State and will take place November 7–8, 2026, at Camp Lutherwood in Bellingham, WA. Registration is $50 per youth through October 27 and $65 during late registration, October 28–November 4. Registration is open now in 4-H Online and closes November 4 at 9:59 PM PT. Workshops are first-come, first-served, so don’t wait too long to submit your registration and claim your spot! Visit the event website for more information.
- Start the year strong with an event designed just for teens. Teen Rally brings youth from across the area together to learn new skills, try fun workshops, and connect with other 4-H members. The 2026 Teen Rally will take place at the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center on November 14–15. Youth ages 13-18 may attend Saturday only or take part in the full experience by either staying overnight or returning Sunday morning. Registration is now open in 4-H Online. The registration fee of $65 includes all meals and supplies. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to build friendships, strengthen leadership skills, and make lasting memories with fellow 4-H teens from our area! Questions? Email Mike Seiber, Pierce County 4-H Coordinator, at mike.seiber@wsu.edu.
Level 1 Shooting Sports Training in November
Are you a 4-H Volunteer over 21 in WA State and would like to be certified to teach Shooting Sports or renew your previous certification? This is the training for you!
Shooting Sports Level 1 Training coming November 7-8 on Whidbey Island! Registration is now open in 4-H Online and closes November 2. Space is limited, so register early!
Disciplines offered: Archery, Riflery, Shotgun, Pistol, Muzzleloading.
- Friday, November 6th 6:00-8:00 pm – Zoom Classroom Training
- Saturday, November 7th – in-person 8 am – 5 pm – Archery, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun
- Sunday, November 8th – in person 8 am – 5 pm – Archery, Muzzleloading, Rifle, Shotgun
Cost: $60 First Discipline, $35 Second Discipline
New 4-H Shooting sports volunteers will also need to complete an online module from National 4-H before finishing certification process. After registering on 4-H Online, you will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the national modules.
More information can be found on the WSU 4-H Shooting Sports page at Shooting Sports – Whidbey Island Training or on the WSU 4-H website/Shooting Sports page. Register now in 4-H Online Events. Note: You must be a verified 4-H Volunteer in 4-H Online before registering for this event.
Questions? Contact us at 4h.shooting.sports@wsu.edu.
Thurston County 4-H Council
The Thurston County 4-H Council meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise announced. The Thurston County 4-H Council is our county-wide advisory board. Enrolled 4-H volunteers and 4-H teen leaders are encouraged to attend.
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android: Council Zoom Link Meeting ID: 933 0900 5414 Passcode: 345746
Annual Financial Reporting Due December 1
Each 4-H club or project committee, whether they have a bank account and hold funds or not, is required to submit the Annual Financial Form no later than December 1. Please contact the 4-H Office if you have questions or need assistance filling out the forms.
Important Dates to Remember:
- October 1, Enrollment for the 2026-27 4-H year opens; go to 4-H Online to enroll
- October 26, 7:00 pm, 4-H Council Meeting/New Year Kick-off Leader Meeting
- November 22, 1-3pm, 4-H Achievement Celebration, Heritage Hall, Thurston County Fairgrounds
- November 27-December 13, Tractor Supply Clover Days
- December 1, Club/committee annual financial reporting due
- January 31, Deadline for returning members to re-enroll to avoid late fee
Go to Tuesday News to find out what’s happening in 4-H statewide.
Follow the Washington State 4-H WSU Facebook page for statewide 4-H opportunities and announcements.
