4-H Focus
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Club, Volunteer, & Program News
Opportunities for 4-H clubs, activity highlights, program updates, and volunteer needs
4-H Club Spotlight
Yakima County 4-H Survey Contest Winner
Congratulations, Wenas Valley 4-H Club for winning the 4-H membership survey ice cream party!
“Our club would like to say thank you for our awesome ice cream party! We hung out in the park talking about how fair season went and what we are looking forward to in the future. Thank you for the fun!” – Wenas Valley 4-H Club Leader
4-H Club News Wanted!
Want to see your club news featured in next months 4-H Focus Newsletter or even our social media? Request your 4-H club reporter to send in pictures and a small blurb from a recent meeting or event your club attended, by the 25th of the month to yakima.4h@wsu.edu. We would love to share your club news!
Save the Date! 2025 Yakima County 4-H Recognition & Awards Dinner
Mark your calendars for the 2025 4-H Recognition & Awards Dinner on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025 at 5:00 pm! This event will be held in the Fruitvale Grange located at 2908 Castlevale Rd, Yakima, WA. We hope to see many of you there to celebrate 4-H and the achievements of our incredible 4-H community.
Yakima 4-H Recognition Awards
Show your gratitude to a specific 4-H member or volunteer by nominating them for one of the following awards:
- Leader of the Year Award (Due September 29th)
- Outstanding Youth of the Year (Due September 29th)
- Outstanding First Year Club Award
- New Honorary Leader
- Lew Evans Memorial Award
- Inez Walter Award
- Toppenish Rotary Awards â Agriculture & Home Economics
- Certificate of Appreciation Nomination
If you would like to nominate a deserving individual, you can find the applications at the links above or on our 4-H Policies and Forms page. Please be sure to submit your nominations by Monday, October 13th, 2025.
Certificates Of Appreciation
Itâs time to say âThank youâ to all the individuals and businesses whoâve helped, donated time, or sponsored your club and/or event. Please send your list to Yakima.4h@wsu.edu, so these individuals may be invited to the Leader Luncheon and receive a Certificate of Appreciation for their support of 4-H. Due in Extension office Monday, October 13th, 2025.
Volunteer Updates
Opportunities for volunteers, activity highlights and volunteer needs
Updated Safety Policy Training for Volunteers â Deadline was June 1st, 2025
We want to inform you 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 were asked to complete the training by June 1st, 2025. The online training linked below is the quickest training option and doesnât 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).Â
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.
Mandatory Volunteer Meeting with Yakima County Council â October 27th
Save the Date for the next Yakima County Council Meeting on Monday, October 27th, 2025. This will be a mandatory meeting for all 4-H leaders and volunteers, and as always youth members and families are invited to attend as well. Your input is greatly needed to make decisions on up coming events. Please consider joining us on Monday, October 27th at 6:30 pm in the Yakima County Resource Center â Large Conference Room, 2403 S. 18th Street, Union Gap, WA.
Save the Date! New Leader Orientation Session 1
Do you know someone that would make a great 4-H volunteer? Are you a certified volunteer, but feel like you could use a refresher? Join us for New 4-H Volunteer Orientation Part 1!
Sunday, October 5th, 2025 2:00 PM via Zoom
Watch your email for the sign-up form in September or contact our office. We hope to see you there!
Yakima County Council Documents Available on Google Drive
In efforts to keep our 4-H community actively involved with decision making process, the Yakima County Council Board members and Extension OfďŹce 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.
Annual 4-H Club Packets
Attention Club Leaders!! Club packets will be sent out this month! Please be sure to keep a look out for these within your mail. If you have any questions, concerns, with any of the forms within this packet please call Autumn or Katlyn at the Extension office at 509-574-1600.
Washington State Volunteer Recognition Dinner
Washington State 4-H has announced that they are planning the Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner for Saturday, October 25th, 2025. Stay tuned for further details on the event to be announced soon!
Fair News
Important updates for families participating in our fairs
Washington State 4-H Fair in Puyallup
Best of Luck 4-H’ers!!
Yakima County would like to wish our participating 4-H members the best of luck at the State 4-H Fair in Puyallup! You’ve got this!!
Exhibitors 4-H State Fair Gate Passes
Friendly reminder to our exhibitors and 4-H’ers participating at the Puyallup Fair, please make time to pick up your entry wristbands. Each exhibitor now gets three wristbands so that they and both their parents may attend!
These are available for pick up at the Yakima County Extension Office, located at 2403 S. 18th Street, Suite 100. Union Gap, WA 98908. Our office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:30 am â 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm â 4:30 pm.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact us at 509-574-1600 or by emailing Yakima.4H@wsu.edu.
Central Washington State Fair in Yakima, WA
It’s almost time for the Central Washington State Fair in Yakima and we are so excited to announce the many awesome changes for this year!
The first big change being that the 4-H Department has been moved to the Ag building upstairs! Meaning more room for still life entries, activities and more!
Secondly, entering your still life projects just got easier! Entry forms can now be completed on the Central Washington State Fair ShoWorks website. Otherwise you may print hard copies of the entry forms listed below. These will need to be completed and given to the Superintendent on entry drop off day.
Also, the Central Washington State Fair Park in Yakima has added new divisions and classes for 4-H this year, including the 4-H Youth Rabbit & Poultry Divisions. These will be 1 day shows where you can haul in the night before or the morning of the show and leave that evening or stay the weekend. Be sure to check out the guides listed on our website if you’re interested!
ENTRIES DUE: Sunday, September 7th, 2025. and accepted online on the Central Washington State Fair ShoWorks website.
Don’t have a poultry or rabbit project? There are opportunities for all at this event! Consider entering your still life projects or pre-registering for an event within the 4-H Department. Join the fun by entering your still life projects or pre-registering for some of the contests listed below!
For more information on the contests and events please contact the Central Washington State Fair 4-H Superintendent, Kattie Blanchard at 509-945-9309 or by emailing blanchardk1983@gmail.com.
Yakima County 4-H Quilt Block Challenge
Yakima 4-H youth members are encouraged to contribute to the Yakima 4-H community quilt project! Help us to create a quilt from the many different members and clubs within our community, to be raffled off to benefit Yakima County 4-H.
Stop by the office to pick up a quilt block kit and look through a tote of extra fabric to incorporate in your design. Your unfinished square will have two opportunities to be judged, at both at the Central Washington State Fair. Please keep in mind that these quilt squares will not be returned to the creator, as submitted blocks will be assembled after the Central WA State Fair to create a community to be raffled off to benefit Yakima County 4-H.
For questions regarding this contest, please contact the WSU Yakima County Extension Office at Yakima.4H@wsu.edu or by calling 509-574-1600.
Yakima County 4-H Block Quilt Challenge
Contribute to the Yakima 4-H Community Quilt
Your quilt blocks will not be returned however, you will receive your score sheets and any awards received.
Contest Rules
– Embellishments are allowed but must be securely attached and washable.
– Only submit an unfinished square that measures 12.5″ x12.5″
All fabric must be pre-washed
Two opportunities for judging quilt squares!
Central WA State Fair – Entry Submission Due September 6th
Central Washington State Fair 4-H Department Still Life Entry Dates
The following entry forms and entries are due on Saturday September 6th, 2025, between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and can be dropped off by entering Gate 5 off South Fair Avenue
- Cloverbud
- Creative Arts
- Dried Foods and Herbs
- Fabric and Yarn Art
- Food Preservation
- Photography
- Promotions and Educational Exhibits
The following entry forms and entries are due on Saturday, September 13th, 2025 between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and can be dropped off by entering through Gate 11 Off 18th Street and proceed to the Ag Building
- Flower Gardening/Arranging
- Food and Nutrition
- Valley Produce
- Gourd & Pumpkin Animals
Central Washington State Fair – Special Featured Fair Contests
Pre-Registration for events is required. Members will be contacted on which day the contest will be held. Please register to the events listed below by Saturday, September 6th, 2025, between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm on the Central Washington State Fair ShoWorks website or when submitting your still life projects using the contests & events entry form.
Dairy Trifecta Buckle Challenge
3 contests 1 buckle per age division. Please refer to the guidelines and rules in the premium book. You must complete all 3 to qualify.
- Dairylicious Baking Contest
- Dairy Container Creature
- Dairy Poster Contest
Grilled Cheese Sandwich Cookoff
Contest is Sunday, September 28th at 4:00 pm. Contestants will create a grilled cheese sandwich for a panel of judges. Cash prizes for each age division winner.
Food Preparation Activity
Please see the guidelines in the premium book. Can be scheduled throughout the fair.
Public Presentation
This is a great opportunity to complete your project presentation. This presentation will count towards your medal of honor qualification and the CWSF trophy contest. All members who complete a presentation will receive a coupon for a milkshake at the Dairy Bar at the fairgrounds.
Table Setting Contest
This is a fun way to create an event, plan for it and put it all together. The table settings will be set up by the exhibitor sometime during the week of September 14th – 19th. Please see the guidelines in the premium book.
Style Review & Performing Arts
Show off your sewing talent as well as your amazing style choices by participating in the style review. This will include all sewn garments, items and creative consumer fashion projects. The style review will be Sunday, September 28th at 2:00 pm.
Helpers & Volunteers are Needed!
Each year the Yakima County 4-H provides activity stations within the Agriculture Building for the kids on school field trips. This years school field trips are scheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd and Thursday, September 25th.
If you are a 4-H volunteer or youth member who is interested in helping with these activities, we would appreciate the extra support. Please contact the Yakima 4-H Program Manager, Autumn Britt for at Autumn.Britt@wsu.edu or by calling 509-574-1578.
Yakima Valley Fair & Rodeo – Recap
Thank you to everyone who helped with this year’s Yakima Valley Fair & Rodeo! We appreciate everyone’s help in getting record books judged and facilitating the livestock judging contest and dairy judging contest!! It’s a privilege to have everyone’s help and feedback so we may continue to “Make the Best Better!”
Equine News
Updates and opportunities for horse project members
Washington State 4-H Fair – Puyallup, WA.
“Intermediates and seniors may exhibit and qualify for the Washington State 4-H Fair (in Puyallup). To qualify, you must receive a red or blue in showmanship AND a red or blue in each event that you will participate in. A basic schedule and listing of events, is available on the Washington State University 4-H Fair Webpage. Choose âExhibitor Guideâ and then âEquine Exhibitsâ. The general schedule is:
- 9/3 â 9/6 = Senior Dressage
- 9/4 â 9/8 = Senior Performance
- 9/6 = Intermediate & Senior Horse Judging & Groom Squad
- 9/10 â 9/13 = Senior Western Games
- 9/13 â 9/15 = Intermediate & Senior Harness & Small Equine
- 9/16 â 9/18 = Intermediate Dressage & Performance
- 9/18 â 9/21 = Intermediate Western Games
Those who have qualified will soon hear from the Extension Office. Yakima County has a limited number of spots per session. However, not all Counties fill their allotment, so typically weâve been able to send everyone who is interested. If we are limited, spots will be awarded to participants based upon the their performance at the qualifying events (ie., Equi-Fair, SBR show, WSJHS, & West Valley Fair).
There is no cost to enter this Fair. Classes, stalls, shavings, hay, and admission for exhibitor and one chaperone are FREE. You will need to pay for travel, lodging and food.
Additionally, if you gave a county-level public presentation, judged horses at the Washington State Junior Horse Show, or are interested in Groom Squad, you may qualify to compete in those events at the Washington State Fair. All of these events are FREE to enter and include admission for the participant and a chaperone. All ages are eligible to do public presentations/demonstrations. There will be a Yakima County day, but scheduling is flexible, as they usually work with you to accommodate you when youâre available. Horse judging is for Intermediates and Seniors and will be held on Saturday, 9/6, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. Individuals may judge, but itâs more fun with friends and a team. I believe that a team consists of at least three members. If youâre interested, let me know, contact the Extension Office as soon as possible, and weâll see about putting a team together. Finally, the groom squad is for seniors and will be held on Saturday, 9/6, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. As we didnât hold any qualifying events, any of our seniors may participate. A team consists of three members. ” – Sagebrush Riders Club Leader
Central Washington State Fair
All members are eligible to compete in the 4-H classes at the Central Washington State Fair (in Yakima). The youth session is Friday, September 26th â Sunday, September 28th. During that 2nd weekend, 4-H youth may enter classes in the 4-H, Open Youth, and Open Equine (ie., Ranch horse classes) divisions. Central Washington State Fair exhibitor information is available on the Central Washington State Fair livestock webpage. Please let your club leader know if you plan on participating so that arrangements can be made.
Upcoming Horse Events
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:
- 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
You’ve Goat to be Kidding!
We’re not kidding! Members of the community are reaching out to see if any of our local 4-H youth members would be interested in registered Sable Saanen doelings for sale. These could make for great show goats! They were both born April 26th, 2025 and are hoping to have a new home by September.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact the goat owner, Robin Scott at 509-968-8788.
*Please note, this is being sent out for your information. Yakima County 4-H does not endorse any firms, products, services or sellers.*
Mark your Calendars for the Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day!
Saturday, September 13th, 2025, from 10:00 am â 3:00 pm at the North Central Washington Gun Club in Wenatchee. Come learn about hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities! This event is hosted by the Wenatchee Sportsmen’s Association with support from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. At this free event, children can enjoy:
⢠Hands on activities (archery, shotgun, and rifle shooting)
⢠Conservation booths and demonstrations
⢠Free hotdogs and burgers
⢠Prize drawings and giveaways
Youth under 18 get a safety gear bag and participate FREE with an adult.
Pre-registration is required! When registering, select the morning (10:00 am â 12:00 pm) or afternoon (1:00 â 3:00 pm) session. We also need volunteers to make this event a success! Learn more and register to attend or volunteer at the Wenatchee Sportsmen’s Association Website.
Yakima County 4-H Benefactor Program
You’re invited to join our community of benefactors! We seek individuals, families, and businesses that believe in the benefits of 4-Hâs high quality youth development opportunities and want to show their support by making an annual donation to ensure this programâs success.
A local challenge is, not every youth who wants to join 4-H has the means to do so. Directly because of donors like you, youth in our community have access to 4-H club membership, educational workshops, programs, and leadership development events. Youth are able to engage with their peers at the local and state level to learn how make positive change in their clubs, communities, countries, and their world.
Generous donations are used in funding 4-H enrollment fee sponsorship, attendance at national summits, 4-H conference registration fees, livestock judging, basic programming supplies, postage, and other necessary materials to support the large network of dedicated volunteers who give their time and talents to mentor, lead, and support 4-H youth. Your donation ensures that all youth may be provided quality programming opportunities, that encourage the lasting development of self-esteem, self- reliance, personal responsibility, civic responsibility, and leadership ability.
Find more information on how to become a Benefactor for Yakima County 4-H and support the development of leadership, citizenship, and responsibility among Yakima Countyâs youth by visiting our webpage.
Kids Activities at the Yakima Downtown Farmers Market
Yakima Downtown Farmers Market. Come check out the Master Gardeners kids activities on the last Sunday of the month during the Farmers Market season on September 28th from 9:00 am â 1:00 pm.
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 episode by going to the Art of Range website.
4-H Resources & Important Links
Quick links, references, and other useful information for 4-H clubs and families
âWSU 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.â
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