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Projects & Programs

Program Contact: Jenny W. Loyd, 4-H Program Coordinator
(509) 574-1600 • jennifer.loyd@co.yakima.wa.us

Yakima County 4-H Projects

4-H projects allow youth to discover their interests and explore project areas while developing life skills that will allow them to thrive.  Project areas are grouped by four pillars:  Agriculture, Healthy Living, STEM, and Civic Engagement.

Not every project area is currently represented in Yakima County 4-H clubs. Please contact the office for current club availability and opportunities for growth!

New to 4-H?  The Welcome to 4-H:  New 4-H Member Guide is available in both English and Spanish (Bienvenidos a 4-H:  Guia para Miembros Nuevos de 4-H).  Check out Exploring The Treasures of 4-H:  Fun, Friends, & Learning Youth Guide and Helper’s Guide for ideas to find your project spark with the guidance of parents and other adult helpers.  Look for even more inspiration in Utah’s Discover 4-H Curriculum!

Looking for ideas to have fun with 4-H From Home?  Check out our webpage for ideas or download the PDF Activity Guide from National 4-H or the PDF 4-H Inspire Kids to Do Activity Guide!

4-H Projects and Publications Catalog

The Four Pillars of 4-H

Cartoon image of a red barn in a green field against a blue sky with clouds and the title Agriculture in black

Agriculture Projects

Projects in agricultural fields allow youth to expand their understanding of where the food we eat comes from while growing their knowledge of food production.  Youth gain an appreciation for food systems and life cycles, learn about innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, and explore nutrition and safe food handling and storage practices.

Tree with musical notes overlaid, art supplies, and cartoon person carrying a large pea pod with the title Healthy Living above

Healthy Living Projects

When youth choose to explore healthy living projects, they open the door for opportunities to form new healthy habits.  They gain a deeper understanding of wellness that includes health and nutrition exploration, ways to take care of their mental and physical health, frameworks for good decision-making and building practical life-skills, and the tools for future success in college or careers.

Cartoon icons of an atom, a rocket, gears, and measuring tools with the title STEM above

STEM Projects

4-H STEM projects range from animal science to robotics and everything in between!  Youth who choose to explore STEM areas engage in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics based activities as they explore their interest areas, creating opportunities to discover the connection between these fields and their daily lives.

Earth with little silhouettes of people all over it and the title Civic Engagement above

Civic Engagement Projects

Youth eager to get involved in their communities as active leaders and participants thrive in civic engagement projects where they gain the tools to tackle big issues and create positive change in their club, their community, their country, and their world.  These projects may explore the workings of government, encourage understanding across cultural differences, and create community service projects.

Self-Determined Projects

Do you have an idea for a 4-H project that doesn’t quite fit in any of the categories above?  Don’t see your interest area on our list of projects?  Don’t worry–there’s still a place for you in 4-H!  Youth are welcome to work with adult helpers and county 4-H staff to create self-determined projects in a variety of subjects to explore the things that spark their imagination.  Check out the links below for more guidance on creating a self-determined 4-H project!

Cloverbuds

4-H is for youth ages 5-18, but not every project area is open to every age group.  Youth must reach their 5th birthday by October 1st of the current 4-H year to enroll in Washington 4-H.

Youth must be 8 by October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for:

  • Competitive situations, such as livestock shows or sales
  • Enrollment in large animal projects, including Beef, Dairy, Goat, Horse, Sheep, Alpaca/Llama, and Swine
  • Enrollment in shooting sports projects
  • Enrollment in projects using motorized vehicles
  • Enrollment in food preservation projects

Cloverbuds, 4-H youth ages 5-7, may participate in a number of age-appropriate activities, though they may not participate in competitive events.

Visit the Yakima County 4-H Cloverbuds page for more information on projects geared specifically for our youngest members!

If you have questions about eligibility, special circumstances, or project availability, contact your county 4-H coordinator!

More information on Washington State 4-H’s Policies and Procedures can be found on the 4-H Forms page.


 

Beyond clubs, did you know 4-H youth have the opportunity to participate in county, state, and nation-wide 4-H events and even an international exchange program?  These include competitions and clinics, workshops, leadership and civic engagement opportunities, conferences, and camps!

Check out our 4-H Events page for more information or contact Yakima county 4-H staff.

Find Yakima County 4-H on Facebook!

Facebook logo at left, "Find 4-H on Facebook: Yakima County 4-H" beside and below logo