Emma Bain entered her rabbit, Smokey, in a carrot-eating contest at the Baker County Fair on Aug. 8, 2024.

The county fair is months away, but anyone who wants to participate in a 4-H event must be registered by Jan. 31.

Enrollment in 4-H runs from Oct. 1 to Jan. 31. Children must be 9 on Sept. 1 to participate.

The national 4-H program started more than 100 years ago, and today membership is about 6 million young people, as well as 500,000 volunteers and 3,500 4-H professionals, according to 4-H.org.

Katie Hauser is the 4-H program coordinator for OSU Extension in Baker County. 4-H programs, she said, are part of the extension programs for land grant universities.

“4-H is about youth development and community growth,” she said.

To illustrate this, she references the 4-H pledge: 

“I pledge my head to clearer thinking,

My heart to greater loyalty,

My hands to larger service,

and my health to better living,

for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

Local clubs

Baker County has 13 active 4-H clubs. There are two divisions: Cloverbuds for ages 5 to 8, and 4-H for ages 9 to 18.

Although nearly all clubs include livestock projects, Hauser said a 4-H club can be geared toward any type of interest, such as the current Legos & More Club and Stitch and Stir.

A new club can be formed with five kids from three different families, she said.

“We have a lot of great leaders and clubs, but we need more,” she said.

In 2023-2024, more than 200 4-H’ers participated in clubs with the help of 43 volunteers.

4-H members must attend at least six club meetings per year to be eligible for the county fair. Hauser said some clubs begin meeting in October, while others wait until December or January.

Enrollment in Cloverbuds is free. For 4-H, the cost is $41, or $46 after Jan. 31.

Hauser said the Friends of the Fair support 4-H in many ways, such as fundraising events, scholarships and community engagement. Last year the Friends bought a show ring for the dog club, and this year, the group is paying the fee for new 4-H members.

Part of the 4-H experience is keeping a record book, which Hauser said teaches essential life skills of financial literacy, goal setting, organization and time management.

Beyond the local 4-H program, members can participate in summer conferences, state competitions, and even international or state exchange programs.

Another opportunity is Ambassadors, which are 4-H’ers who help with special events, fundraising and fair.

Elissa Nilsen, a junior at Baker High School, joined 4-H in fifth grade.

“I heard about it from a bunch of friends, and my dad always wanted goats,” she said.

They now have a herd of 25 to 30.

“They multiply really fast — we started with two,” she said.

She became an Ambassador her freshman year. Her sister, Kate, a BHS sophomore, is also an Ambassador.

Elissa said she’s learned a lot from 4-H.

“It’s taught me how to be a bigger part of the community,” she said. “It’s also a lot of fun, and you make great friends. Going to fair has been one of the best experiences of my life — you get to share what you worked so hard for.”

Kate’s favorite part is helping new 4-H members.

“Helping the younger members, and passing the knowledge down,” she said.

Baylee and Blaine Myers, both 11, are members of The Patriots club and Ambassadors.

Baylee said learning about animals and making new friends are her favorite parts of 4-H, and she’s also honed her public speaking skills through the Ambassadors program.

She’s also learned about good sportsmanship.

“We always cheer for our friends in the show ring even if we are showing against them,” she said.

Blaine also enjoys learning about animals and spending time with his friends during 4-H. But a livestock project can be a challenge, he said.

“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t quit when things get hard,” he said. “When you get your steer at the beginning, he’s going to be wild and you need to keep working with him.”

Those interested in 4-H are encouraged to contact Hauser at 541-523-6418, katherine.hauser@oregonstate.edu or at the OSU Extension office, 2600 East St.

Volunteers

Hauser said 4-H relies on adult volunteers to lead clubs and projects, as well as supporting the program behind the scenes.

Interested volunteers must create an account at 4-H Online 2.0, complete online child safety training, provide three character references, attend a volunteer training and pass a background check through OSU.

Opportunities include club leader, project leader, camp or event volunteer, chaperone, fair or contest judge, mentor, fundraising or a short-term volunteer for special-interest workshops.

To learn more, call Hauser at 541-523-6418 or email katherine.hauser@oregonstate.edu.

This year, 4-H’ers are required to take a training titled Youth for the Quality Care of Animals, and the Baker County Cattlewomen donated $250 to cover the cost and help 83 youths with the education and resources.

“This amazing group, made up of passionate 4-H/FFA parents, volunteers, and leaders, truly understands the importance of investing in our youth and the future of agriculture,” Hauser said. “Their continued support is making a real difference in our community.”

STEP programs

STEP, or Short Term Education Program classes, are offered on a regular basis for both 4-H’ers and nonmembers.

“I just want people to try different things,” Hauser said.

Some STEP workshops are offered online to youngsters across the state, or the tri-county area of Baker, Union and Wallowa. Others are just local — past classes include making soap with Shannon Smock and terrariums at Jubilee Plants and Gathering. A four-week workshop on basic car knowledge begins Feb. 7.

Hauser welcomes more ideas for these STEP programs, and volunteers to teach the skills.

“We would love more volunteers,” she said.

Next classes

• Earl Blizzard from Napa Auto Parts will teach a four-session class on “Shift Into Gear: Basic Car Knowledge for Youth” on Feb. 7 and 21 and March 7 and 21 for ages 9-18. All sessions are from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the fairgrounds, 2600 East St. Participants will learn automotive basics and fluid maintenance, tire and battery maintenance and common car emergencies. Register by calling 541-523-6418 or at https://tinyurl.com/7mz693v4.
• A series of free STEM classes, with kits from the GO-STEM hub, meets Feb. 5, 12 and 19 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. The class is open to ages 9-18. Each class will explore a different hands-on project using the kits including structural engineering challenges, physics with gravity cars and science experiments with catapults. The classes are free, and participants do not need to be a 4-H member. For more information or to register as a participant or future volunteer, call OSU Extension in Baker County at 541-523-6418 or visit https://beav.es/pLQ.
• Kyle Koyle from Eastern Oregon University and GO-STEM will teach “Biomimicry: A Dolphin’s Tail” on Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds, 2600 East St. Participants will creating a prosthetic limb for toy aquatic animals to learn about biomimicry and and the engineering process. 4-H membership is not required. For information, call 541-523-6418 or register at https://beav.es/GAL
• Felting for Beginners, ages 9-18, is set for Feb. 21, and the cost is $22. The class will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the OSU Extension, 2600 East St. Register at https://beav.es/pLQ or call 541-523-6418.
• On March 10, Drew Leggett from Blue Mountain Community College will lead “Exploring the Skies: Agricultural Drones and Careers for Kids.” The class starts at 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds, 2600 East St. Participants will learn how drones are transforming agriculture and have the chance to try out drone technology. Register at https://beav.es/GAL.