About 4-H

4-H is the youth education program of OSU Extension Service. It is a non-formal, community-focused, experiential education program for todays youth. The program combines the cooperative efforts of youth and adult volunteers with community and Extension resources. The mission of 4-H is to develop youth and adult potential to improve communities through learning to live; learning to make a living; strengthening families and communities; becoming lifelong learners; developing leadership; and using research-based knowledge and the land grant university system. 4-H is open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disabilities, economic status, or geographic location.

Please call or email Sherry Vick for 4-H project information and a member and leader enrollment information and forms.

Membership in the Tillamook County 4-H program is open to all youth in grades K-12

• Cloverbuds Program: Youth in grades K-3 may participate in this non-competitive, group-oriented program allows youth to explore many topics such as natural resources, the community, foods, science, art and more.

• 4-H Program: Youth in grades 4-12 may join 4-H independent projects or community clubs, which are led by volunteer leaders. Some of the project areas include:
  • Animal Science: dogs and cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, horses, dairy, beef, sheep, swine, poultry and pigeons, dairy or pygmy goats
  • Communications: presentations, educational displays, videography
  • Engineering: woodworking
  • Expressive Arts: art, ceramics and fiber arts, photography
  • Horticulture: gardening
  • Home Economics: babysitting, clothing (sewing), foods and nutrition, food preservation and safety, home environment, knitting and crocheting
  • Natural Resources: archery, entomology, marine science, outdoor discovery, sport fishing
  • Science, Engineering & Technology: Robotics, Chess, and more
  • Shooting Sports: archery, hunting, pistol, rifle, shotgun

• After School and Day Camps: short-term programs, and special events are also ways youth can get involved in 4-H.

The 4-H program in Tillamook County involves approximately 100 volunteer leaders, working with more than 500 youth in 80 4-H clubs. Volunteers complete a leader application, provide references, and attend a new leader orientation or complete a video orientation course prior to starting a 4-H club. Please call or email Nancy Kershaw for a 4-H Leader application and information.