4-H Youth Development Program

What is 4-H?

4-H is one of our nation's largest, most effective, informal educational programs. It is open to all Oregon youth who are in 4th through 12th grade before—January 1 of the current 4-H year. It is the informal, volunteer, off-campus youth education program of Oregon State University Extension Service and offers youth opportunities to develop new interests and skills, make new friends, practice democracy and leadership, and have fun.

Behind every 4-H member is a team of adults including:

• The local 4-H leaders, who are the key to success of the entire 4-H program. The club leader decides the kind of experience a member will have.
• The county Extension staff, who help the leader in organizing clubs by providing training and supplying materials. They are always on hand to help leaders plan and contact special activities and programs.
• Oregon State University, which supports the county Extension staff by providing financial support, conducting agent and leader training programs, and conducting state-wide activities and events.
• The USDA, which provides funds, research and program materials, and resource persons for state and county use.

About the 4-H Program, 4-H Extension Agent and Staff

2008 4-H Calendar - Leaders meetings, 4-H events, and office holiday closures.

4-H Forms - Enrollment forms, records and guidelines, project materials, scholarship information, and contest rules.

Columbia Columns - 4-H Youth and Family newsletter.

4-H County Fair - Member and leader information, and links about the Columbia County Fair.

4-H Youth Leadership Opportunities - Ambassador and Mentorship programs, Junior Leaders, and other programs for 4-H youth.

4-H Leaders Association - Minutes of Leaders meetings, 4-H Supporters, Bylaws.

4-H Youth Events - Columbia County Horse Classic, Youth Fair, and other events.

The Columbia County 4-H program is open to all youth in grades K-12:

• Youth in grades 4th - 12th may join 4-H project clubs, which are led by volunteer leaders.
• Youth in grades K-3 may participate in the 4-H Adventures program. This non-competitive, group-oriented program allows youth to explore many topics such as natural resources, the community, foods, science, art and more.
• Short-term programs and special events are also ways youth can get involved in 4-H.

Links to Other Youth & Family Development Sites

• Oregon 4-H home page
• National 4-H Mall - shopping
• National 4-H Headquarters
• National Collegiate 4-H Organization - a nationwide program that can be implemented at any college campus
• OSU 4-H Publications
• Oregon State 4-H Scholarships
• Oregon State Fair
• 4-H Judges List
• National 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System

Other Links

• National Photography Contest Website
• Pattern Resource Website
• Horse Record Form

As such, Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972.

How to Reach Us:

OSU Columbia County Extension Office

505 N. Columbia River Hwy

St. Helens, OR 97051

Phone: 503-397-3462 \ Fax: 503-397-3467

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 pm.