4-H Focus – March 2025
Recent Updates!
New Website and Newsletter
Thank you for your patience during our transition to our new website. We are very excited to be utilizing this platform as our main source of information for all. As you may know, the newsletter was previously published as a .pdf document – now it will be a live webpage for all to see! Please bare with us as we are still learning all the new features on the website. If you have any questions on events or forms that are not posted on the web, please reach out so we may correct the error at Yakima.4H@wsu.edu or by calling 509-574-1600.
Stay up-to-date on all the upcoming events by referring to our Yakima 4-H Events Calendar!
Newsletter Menu
Yakima County 4-H Volunteers Needed
Yakima County is always needing extra hands on deck! Afterall, 4-H wouldn’t be what it is today without all our leaders & volunteers. If you have an interest in starting up a club, encouraging the youth through skill development, or would just like to get more involved with the community, then this may be the perfect fit for you!
Find information on how to get started by going to our New Volunteers webpage! Feel free to reach out to the Yakima County Extension office at 509-574-1600 or email us at Yakima.4h@wsu.edu for any questions you may have.
Club & Program News
Opportunities for 4-H clubs, activity highlights, and program updates
Chick Day
Thank you to the Harrah Humdingers & Naches Valley 4-H Clubs who went to help at the Yakima Valley Co-op chick day event!
Yakima Valley Co-op is a proud supporter of Yakima 4-H, so when they reached out looking for teen & adult volunteers to assist with the distribution of chicks and feed at their Free Chick Day Event, we were happy to help! Thank you again, to all our youth and volunteers who came out to support!
Club Spotlight
Selah 4-H Club
On March 1st some members from the Selah 4-H Club took a sewing class! They all made a nice reversible bag and did a great job. Thank you Nadine and B&C Sewing for a great class!
Naches Valley 4-H Club
Last month the Naches Valley 4-H Club held a pet food drive for Meals on Wheels and accomplished their goal of filling the bed of the truck with over 1000 lbs of dog food! Talk about a successful day, way to go 4-H’ers!
Wenas Valley 4-H Club
We had our monthly meeting on February 27th, 2025. Our members are working hard right now starting to get and raise our Toppenish animals. Some of our club members have been meeting to work on livestock judging and cardboard animals. Many kids are starting there first livestock projects this year as well! – Wenas Valley 4-H Club Reporter, Izzy H.
Club Opportunities
Win Your 4-H Club a Pizza Party or Ice Cream Social!
Thank you to everyone who already took the quick survey. Your feedback and ideas are so helpful! We are still hoping to get more responses, so if you haven’t yet, please participate to help us better understand the local 4-H program and help set program priorities for the upcoming 4-H year.
Parents/Guardians, please work with your 4-H members to complete the YOUTH MEMBER SURVEY in a manner that is appropriate for their age and developmental stage. Older members may be able to complete this independently, while younger ones will require support.
Parents/Guardians and Volunteers, please share your thoughts in the PARENT/VOLUNTEER SURVEY.
And for a little extra fun, we are running two prize giveaways!
Member Contest! You will be directed to a giveaway link when you complete the survey. All contest entry information is collected within a different form to keep it separate from your survey answers.
Club Contest! All 4-H Clubs with completed surveys from at least half of their membership will be entered in a second giveaway to win a pizza party or ice cream social courtesy of the local 4-H Office!
Educational & Promotional Posters – Due April 30th
Attention all 4-H Members!! Promotional Posters are due to the Extension Office by April 30th, 2025! This is a county wide 4-H contest. 4-H posters come in 2 categories: educational or promotional. Educational posters provide an opportunity for members to share information about 4-H and a wide range of projects. Unlimited pictures or words. Promotional posters are an opportunity for members to promote the 4-H program in a fun and positive way. One main idea, with minimum words of up to 6 words. The posters need to be 14″x22″ (half of a full size poster board). Check out these posters created from previous 4-H years! Find resources on our website can help members create great 4-H posters!
2025 Fashion Revue & Talent Show
We are so excited the 2025 Fashion Revue & Talent Show is almost here! All local 4-H members are encouraged to show off their talent at this fun event – Whether it be with music, acting, or their fabulous fashion skills! Clothing members, be sure to check your mail as the informational packets have been sent out this week. The pre-registration deadline is April 1st, so be sure to get your paperwork in & join the fun! More information and details on the event can be found on the policies and forms page of the Yakima County 4-H website or by calling the Extension Office at 509-574-1600.
Save the Date! Greensleeves Spring Animal Show
The Greensleeves Spring Small Animal Show will be on Saturday, March 29th, at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds Display Hall. This year we will offer Showmanship, Type and Costume contests for poultry, cavies and rabbits and a Round Robin Event which will include cats too! Check out our Facebook Event for more details. The cat program will also have a show in our same building and be included in Round Robin. Our show catalog and online entry Google Form are posted to our Facebook event page and also located on the club’s website.
Cat Members are Invited to the Enchanted Forest Cat Show
Kitsap County 4-H 4 All Club invites all Washington 4-H Cat Project members to join us at our “Enchanted Forest” 4-H Cat Show on Saturday May 3rd, at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds Cat Barn. We’ll have contests for showmanship, cat type, cage decoration, costume, knowledge, breed ID, and equipment judging! Ribbons and fun for all!
Not a 4-H member, but interested in checking out some enchanting cats? This event is also open to the visiting public! Come see what Cat Project and 4-H is all about. Questions? Email: cat.tales4h@gmail.com
Volunteer Updates
Opportunities for volunteers, activity highlights and volunteer needs
In Memory of Margaret Morris
We are sad to share that one of our beloved 4-H volunteers, Margaret Morris has recently passed. Margaret had devoted much time in giving back to the community, often working alongside the WSU Extension staff and 4-H faculty, whether in the Master Gardener Clinic, food preservation division, helping at fairs or granges, or when grading record books for youth members; her time as a volunteer meant a great deal to our community. She truly impacted many lives through conversation and service by sharing her knowledge with others. Margaret will be greatly missed. If you would like to leave a note within her virtual guestbook or send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret, please visit the Yakima Herald tribute store.
Yakima County Council Meeting – March 24th at 6:30 pm
All 4-H youth members, volunteers and families are invited to attend the Yakima County Council meetings. Your input is greatly needed to make decisions on up coming events. Please consider joining us on March 24th at 6:30 pm in the Yakima County Resource Center Core Room, 2403 S. 18th Street Suite 100, Union Gap, WA.
Yakima County 4-H Committee Sign ups
Interested in helping make decisions at local 4-H events? Committees ensure that big changes and big events are managed by volunteers and members so that your voices are heard. Check out the Yakima 4-H committee options and sign up today, by going to the Yakima County 4-H Committees Google Form. Thank you for your willingness to volunteer!
Yakima County Leaders’ Council Documents Available on Google Drive
In efforts to keep our 4-H community actively involved with decision making process, the Yakima County Leaders’ Council Board members and Extension Office have teamed up in making our documents transparent to all through Google Drive. All meeting agenda, minutes & budgets can be found accessed by the public at all times through Google Drive. If you have anything that you would like to add to the next meeting agenda you may contact the 4-H Program Manager, Autumn at Autumn.Britt@wsu.edu or 509-574-1578.
4-H Clubs Facebook Groups
Facebook has proven to be a useful tool for reaching volunteers and parents. If your club or group has a Facebook page, please ensure the page is private, not public, to support youth safety. A private but searchable page will allow new member families and volunteers to find your page but stop unaffiliated public members from seeing youth photos or any identifying information you post when sharing contest results, meeting reminders, and more. All 4-H pages should have at least three admins: two enrolled volunteers and the 4-H office. Invite the 4-H office as an admin member of the group, by copying the link to your group and emailing it to Yakima.4h@wsu.edu. The 4-H office’s role is not to run your club’s page but to help manage a page transition if required during leadership changes and support with set-up as needed.
- How to change a Facebook group from public to private
- How to add an admin and other Facebook group information
Does your club want to start a Facebook group? Let us know! The 4-H office can create a group for your club under our main page, saving you the trouble of clicking all the right privacy boxes and setting up admins.
Updated Safety Policy Training for Volunteers – Due June 1st, 2025
We want to inform about updated safety policy (WSU Protection and Safety of Minors), which is now being implemented across all WSU programs, including Washington 4-H. Since it was written primarily for WSU campus employees, some parts may feel less relevant to 4-H, so we created a 15-minute training to guide you through what matters! All 4-H Volunteers in Washington are asked to complete the training by June 1st, 2025. The online training linked below is the quickest training option and doesn’t require any logins. If you would rather complete this training in-person or via Zoom with local staff please reach out to Autumn Britt, our local Program Manager, at Autumn.Britt@wsu.edu or 509-588-7817 (work cell, text/call).
The quick training is available online and covers the key points of select topics within EP-14, including:
- Conduct Requirements for Staff and Certified Volunteers
- Adequate Supervision of Youth
- Specific Requirements for Transportation Involving Youth
- Specific Requirements for Overnight Activities Involving Youth
- Disability Accommodations
- Youth Program Registration
- Reporting Requirements
The whole policy document can be found on the WSU policies website. We appreciate your time and dedication to keeping 4-H a safe, welcoming space for youth. If you have any questions, reach out to your local 4-H office.
Volunteer Hour Tracking – GivePulse
How to Record an Impact on GivePulse
An impact in the GivePulse system refers to the time you spend working on behalf of Washington State 4-H Youth Development, or more simply your volunteer hours. Watch this video on how to create an impact (log your volunteer hours) in GivePulse.
- Log in to GivePulse
- Click “Add Impact” (a green button in the top right side of your group screen).
- Enter the date and time for your impact.
- Next; enter the number of hours for your impact (rounded to the nearest quarter of an hour: (Example: 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 hours).
- Enter the type of activity from the pull-down menu. Select the activity type that best fits your impact (a description of each is provided).
- Rate your experience with the event and provide reflections/comments for the group to see.
- Personal notes are available only to you, enter notes you might want to remember.
- Attach any items you’d like (pictures, agendas, etc.)
- Click “Add Impact” (green button on the bottom left) to submit your hours.
Volunteers: YOUR TIME MATTERS TO US
Every hour you spend supporting 4-H is a donation. All certified 4-H volunteers are required to report hours; reporting protects and supports you and the local program! By reporting your hours you give Yakima County 4-H the numeric proof we need to show our funders and higher-officials that our programs are greatly valued and needed. In addition, reporting your hours makes you eligible for the Department of Labor and Industries medical aid program (this program allows an injured volunteer’s medical expense to be paid by the Dept. of Labor and Industries), and allows you protection under the state of Washington tort claims law, RCW 4.92.060, for acts or omissions while performing, or in good faith purporting to perform, your official volunteer duties. What qualifies as volunteer hours? Anything and everything you do for 4-H! Teaching, planning, prepping, shopping, helping at fair and other events, paperwork, training, driving, calling, mentoring, presenting, emailing, even reading this counts! Email Yakima.4h@wsu.edu or call 509-574-1600 if you need assistance.
Washington State 4-H Fair Board Seeks Committee Members
As you may know, the State 4-H Fair Board makes an effort to respond to improvements and changes in project curriculum. In order to accomplish this objective, we have formed a new committee to review suggestions from the counties. Dave Fong, Fair Board member, is the chair of this committee. Several other board members participate on this committee as well. If you are interested in being involved when this committee is evaluating a proposal, please send your interest to the email below. The committee will evaluate the impact on the timing and space of the recommendation on the fair schedule. The mission of the committee is to support all 4-H projects and members to ensure a successful fair, proposing and coordinating projects and modifications to improve the fair experience statewide, fostering collaboration, innovation, and experience within the 4-H community. The email contact is 4hStateFairAdvisoryCommittee@gmail.com
Teen Opportunities
Events, conferences, and scholarships just for teens
Teen Opportunities Calendar
Scholarships Opportunities
Time is Almost Out! Submit Your Application for the WSU 4-H Scholarships
Attention 12th graders! The deadline to apply for the WSU 4-H Scholarship is almost here. The deadline to apply is March 15th at 10:00 pm. Requirements and application instructions can be found on the WSU State 4-H website. Don’t wait to submit your packet!
Yakima County Cattlemen’s Association – Agricultural Scholarship Application
Yakima County Cattlemen’s Association is offering an agricultural scholarship. Completed application must be emailed to Amandarae231@gmail.com by April 15th! Be sure to look over the Agricultural Scholarship Application Criteria for information on the application requirements. For questions regarding the scholarship or application requirements please contact Gvanweerdhuizen@nvsd.org or call 360-224-2720.
Save the Date for the 2025 Washington State 4-H Teen Conference
Washington State 4-H Teen Conference is a three-day conference experience at WSU Pullman with workshops and tours focused on career exploration, college readiness, leadership, and life skill development. The conference is open for 8th-12th grade youth and takes place from June 23-26. Registration will open on April 21, 2025, and is limited to 150 youth. More information to be released soon on the WSU State 4-H website!
Become a Georgia Boot Trailblazer – Contest Open Now!
The 2025 Georgia Boot Trailblazers contest is officially open! This contest is open to 4-H’ers aged 12 – 18 and is an opportunity for them to share about their project journey for a chance to win a prize pack valued at $800 and receive national recognition on Georgia Boot and 4-H digital channels as a 2025 Trailblazer. The application period will remain open until March 16th, and find more details on the application process on the Georgia Boot website.
Yakima Valley Dairy Ambassador Opportunity
The Yakima Valley Dairy Women are now taking applications for the 2025-26 Yakima Valley Dairy Ambassador program. Applications are due April 15th. Contact Karen Sheehan for more information at jkdairy2003@gmail.com or by calling 509-840-0373.
State Board Accepting Applications For New Student Board Member
The Washington State Board of Education is seeking a current high school sophomore eager to make a difference in the state’s education system by serving as the Board’s Student Representative for the 2025–2027 term. Interested students can visit the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) website to access the application form and learn more about this opportunity. Applications are open until March 28th, 2025. Finalists will be notified by April 7th, 2025.
Eligibility & Responsibilities
Serving on the Board of Education is an important role for Washington’s students. The Board’s two Student Representatives represent over one million students statewide. Their view can make a difference for generations of Washington students to come. As such, this opportunity requires a significant commitment of time and energy. Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
- Reside in and attend a public or private school in Washington State through the 2025–2027 academic years.
- Be a current sophomore at time of selection.
- Be prepared to devote sufficient time to Board responsibilities, including attending all scheduled State Board of Education meetings. While some weeks may require only a few hours of engagement, meeting weeks can demand up to 20 hours of participation. The selected student will miss approximately 16 school days per year.
- Demonstrate a commitment to improving K–12 public education and possess strong communication, listening, observational, and input skills on educational policy issues in Washington State.
Students may receive up to a $100 per day stipend during official Board meetings and when engaged in other duties approved by the Board Chair. Students will also be reimbursed for travel expenses that occur during Board activities.
More Teen Opportunities
There are many wonderful ways for teens, leaders, and clubs – to get engaged in state-wide 4-H events. Teens who are already advanced in their leadership skills, from club and county experiences, find opportunities to grow in leadership with their statewide friends. Visit the state 4-H website for more teen opportunities.
Fair News
Important updates for families participating in our fairs
Fair Calendar
2025 Fair Still Life Contests
The Superintendent for West Valley Fair and the Central Washington State Fair has officially released the still life contest list for both events. There are multiple contests that have opportunities to be judged at both fairs! Be sure to check out the details on each of the 2025 Fair Still Life Contests (PDF).
Yakima Valley Fair & Rodeo
Livestock Exhibitors Save the Date! & Stay tuned for information regarding other species!
- March 3rd – Livestock Registration Open
- March 21st – Registration for beef is due by 10:00 pm
- March 22nd – Beef Tag Day from 8:00 – 10:00 am
The Yakima Valley Fair and Rodeo will be held August 6th – 9th, 2025. More information regarding the fair, premium book updates and more can be found on the Yakima Valley Fair and Rodeo website. For further questions, email registeryvfr@gmail.com
West Valley Fair
HERE IT IS……the theme for the 2025 West Valley Fair! Now is the time to start planning stall decor and parade floats.
A few dates to mark on your calendar:
- May 3rd @ 9:00 am Fairgrounds Work Day
- June 7th @ 9:00 am Fairgrounds Work Day
- June 21st @ 9:00 am Fairgrounds Work Day
- July 12 @ 9:00 am Fairgrounds Work Day & Set Up
In the next couple of months they will be rolling out more details, so keep an eye out for upcoming announcements on the West Valley Fair website. We’re gonna have a BLOOMIN’ GOOD TIME!!!
Livestock News
Deadlines, news, rules, and opportunities for members in animal agriculture projects
Livestock Events
Sheep Shearing provided by David Funk
In preparation of the Central Washington Junior Livestock Show, David Funk is offering sheep shearing services to local 4-H & FFA members! Schedule the time of your appointment for April 12th by calling David Funk at 509-570-2947.
Washington Junior Poultry Exposition
Poultry Owners from 5-18! Join us at the Washington State Spring Fair, April 10th – 13th, for the Washington Junior Poultry Exposition Show. We will have typing, showmanship, and fun contests. Check out the premium book (PDF).
The deadline to register is March 22nd.
Don’t Miss Out on Dairy Events This Weekend!
This Saturday, March 15th, join us at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds for a variety of dairy events.
- Dairy Quiz Bowl: 10:00 AM
- Dairy Judging Workshop: 12:30 AM
Lunch is available on site. Youth participating in both Quiz Bowl and Dairy Judging have lunch provided. For more information please visit the Washington State 4-H website.
Earn tickets for show supplies/ raffle prizes if you stay for both events. For questions, please contact Liz Holtcamp at 360-488-3144.
Equine News
Updates and opportunities for horse project members
Equine Events
Washington State Junior Horse Show
Washington State Junior Horse Show presents two clinics on Thursday, June 26th.
- Sue Sultze – Horsemanship – English or Western & Pattern Skills (PDF)
- Jillian Santi – Dressage Clinic (PDF)
Find more information regarding the clinics in the forms attached. Pre paid entry is required ** Mail by: June 15, 2025 Mail this portion with payment **
Make checks payable: WSJHS Mail Entries to: Kimberly Lansing 831 N Forsell Rd. Grandview, WA. 98930
Equi-Fair 4-H & Open Schooling Show
This years Equi-Fair & open schooling show will be held on April 5th, 2025 at the Riverside Arena Corner of Highway 24 & University Parkway. Pre-Entry is due March 29th, 2025 to Kimberly Lansing. Phone in entries must be made PRIOR TO SHOW by calling 509-539-0247 or by emailing ms.berly@yahoo.com with the subject line “Equi-Fair”
For more information on the show, classes available and pricing please look over the Equi-Fair 4-H & Open Schooling Show (PDF).
Kittitas County 4-H Invites Yakima 4-H Horse Members to Events!
Kittitas County 4-H has generously invited members from Yakima County 4-H to participate at some of their equine events!
Equine event schedule:
- March 8th, 2025 – Horsemanship Safety Day – Manastash Room & Bloom
- April 7th, 2025 – 1st Horse Judging – Bloom
- April 26th, 2025 – Bits & Buckles Spring Show – Bloom
- May 10th, 2025 – Spring Leader’s Show – Bloom
- June 21st – 22nd, 2025 – 2nd Horse Judging & Training Days – Bloom
- July 18th – 20th, 2025 – Horse Pre-Show – Rodeo Arena & Bloom
- October 5th, 2025 – Fall Leader’s Show – Bloom
- November 1st, 2025 – Tack Sale
If you have any questions, please contact the Kittitas County 4-H Office at 509-962-7507.
News You Can Use
Local events and opportunities through WSU Extension and our community partners
Other Upcoming Opportunities
4-H Curriculum & Publications available for purchase at the Yakima WSU Extension office!
We have a library of 4-H curriculum available to our 4-H members and volunteers to help you on your projects! Everything from poultry to sheep & sport fishing to woodworking, to… Well, you get the idea! We are happy to find you the publication you need to take your projects to the next level! We have record books and record book cover in stock. Peruse our samples of 4-H curriculum before ordering!
Come by Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm at the Yakima WSU Extension Office, 2403 S. 18th Street, Suite 100, Union Gap, WA. 98903.
Master Gardeners Answer Clinic – NOW OPEN
WSU Yakima County Extension has a privilege of having Master Gardener volunteers within our office. They are an incredible informational resource with a passion for horticulture. If you have questions regarding a specific species of flowers or would like to have your soil PH tested, our Master gardener volunteers are happy to help! Please note that they are volunteers and offer their time to community when they are available. They tend to have office hours throughout the week on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 9:00 am -12:00 pm & 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm. If you would prefer to reach them by phone, please call 509-574-1604 or come by the Yakima County Extension Office at 2403 S. 18th Street, Suite 100, Union Gap, WA. 98903.
The Art of Range Podcast
The Art of Range podcast provides education through conversation with some of the brightest minds in rangeland management and livestock production. Washington State University rangelands and livestock specialist Tip Hudson interviews researchers, ranchers, and resource professionals to bring you extended discussion on topics that are of interest to anyone in rangelands work. A new episode releases every two weeks. This project is funded by a grant from the Western Center for Risk Management Education. Tune in to an Art of Range episode today.
4-H Resources & Important Links
Quick links, references, and other useful information for 4-H clubs and families
“WSU Yakima County Extension empowers our families, communities, and local partners through a network of educators and volunteers to provide research-based outreach and creative solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and quality of life.”
Alison White – Regional Specialist
4-H Youth Development
alison.white@wsu.edu
Autumn Britt – 4-H Program Manager
4-H Youth Development
autumn.britt@wsu.edu
Katlyn Shockey – 4-H Program Specialist
4-H Youth Development
yakima.4h@wsu.edu
katlyn.shockey@co.yakima.wa.us