- (Focus Area) 4-H
- Author: Erica Pettey
Ten 4-H counties participated in the UC Davis College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Field Day on Saturday, March 2, 2024. The 4-H teams competed in contests on Vet Science and Light Horse Judging, as well as the State Qualifier for 4-H Livestock Judging.
Placer County 4-H - Livestock Judging Team
Placer County 4-H had 4-H youth competing in both the Senior and Junior age divisions. In the Junior Division, the Ophir 4-H club was represented by Gabby, Julia, and Cameron. In the Senior Division, the 2024 CA 4-H State Champion Livestock Judging team was led by Joey S., Gabriella, Moriah, and Ella from Ophir 4-H Club. Ella was Second Overall High Point Individual and Gabriella was Third Overall High Point Individual. Fellow Ophir 4-H member, Matt, also competed in the Senior Division as an individual. They are coached by project leader Liza Stefani and Lucus Delap from Chico State University. This hard-working and enthusiastic team qualified to represent California 4-H at a national 4-H livestock judging contest in the 2024-2025 program year. They are excited to travel to Denver, CO to compete in the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest held during the Western National Roundup in January 2025.
Merced County 4-H - Livestock Judging Team
The Merced County 4-H Livestock Judging team was split between the Junior and Senior age divisions. The Junior Team was led by Kai, Maysie, Anya, and Aubree from McSwain 4-H Club with Keira from Ballico 4-H Club competing as an individual in the Senior Division. This talented young group is coached by Leah Sanches and took home High Point banners in both age divisions. Kai earned High Point banners for Junior Individual Overall, Beef, and Goats/Sheep. Maysie was Third Overall High Point Junior. In the Senior Division, Keira earned individual awards for High Point Overall, Beef, Goats/Sheep, Swine, and Reasons.
San Mateo County 4-H "Team of Two"
The San Mateo County 4-H Livestock Judging “team of two” was led by Lucy and Fynn from the San Carlos Eaton Hills 4-H Club. They had a great day and were ranked second overall to earn a Reserve Champion Team banner. This small team did not have the required third member needed to qualify to represent California 4-H at a national competition this year.
“We are both from San Carlos Eaton Hills 4-H club in San Mateo County. We are very interested in animal science and love raising livestock. However, there are not many opportunities to get involved in agriculture or animal science where we live. This year, we decided to try livestock judging for the first time. We didn't know what to expect, but we ended up doing well and we learned a lot. Next year, we hope to find more people in our county to join a livestock judging project. We look forward to continuing with livestock judging and getting better for next year.” - written by Fynn and Lucy
Other counties that participated
San Luis Obispo County 4-H
The San Luis Obispo County 4-H team included Brooklyn and Josie in the Senior Division and Karis and Krew in the Junior Division. Karis was Second Overall Junior and High Point Junior in Reasons and Swine.
Sonoma County 4-H
The Sonoma County 4-H team included Trenton W. in the Senior division plus Ryan V., John J., Ryan S., and Bella C. in the Junior Division. The Sonoma County 4-H Junior Team was second place overall with their combined individual scores.
El Dorado County 4-H
The El Dorado County 4-H team included Rebeca R. and Shelby S. in the Senior Division and Emilee R. in the Junior Division.
Alameda County 4-H
The Alamedia County 4-H team included Makaela in the Junior Division and Kylie in the Senior Division.
Marin County 4-H
The Marin County 4-H team included Clare M. in the Senior Division and Frank M. in the Junior Division.
Yolo County 4-H was represented by Abigail B., Maxine C., and Addyson in the Junior Division.
Amador County 4-H youth in the Vet Science and Light Horse Judging contests
“Our Vet Science team placed 4th out of a huge number of teams and we were by far the youngest (ages 11, 13, 13, 15) next to all high school groups. Our Light Horse Judging member won all of the 4-H individual divisions with 1st and 2nds. No team placing since we didn't have a full team and were only allowed to compete as individuals.” - written by coach Kelsi Williams
Light Horse: Lily and Ama
Vet Science: Lexi, Saveah, Cecilia, and Haydin
Coach: Dr. Kelsi Williams
- Author: Samuel Belik
- Author: Erica Pettey
The 2024 Avian Bowl 4-H State Qualifier Contest was held during the Greater Society of Poultry Fanciers' Show at the Fresno Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
The 2024 Avian Bowl State Champion Team is led by Zuzu H., Ean R., Samuel B., and Melanie S. from Ventura County 4-H. They were supported by their coach, Kitty Beckmann, and Teen Assistant Coach Ashley P.
From Tense Moments to Triumph
“My name is Samuel Belik. I am 14 years old. I started competing in avian bowl competitions when I was 9. I have played on several teams, most recently the Squabblers. This year was my first year to compete as a senior level avian bowler. After a long anticipated wait for the new manuals to come in the mail, my team worked for many weeks studying hard to prepare for the contest. We were feeling pretty nervous before the competition. After a pretty smooth competition, the game suddenly ended with the most nerve wracking round that I have ever played before"
"In the final round, on the final question of the game, my team was down 10 points. Even my coaches thought we would not be able to come back with just one 5 point question to go. Then Dr. Bradley asked the final question of the round, and the other team's captain managed to buzz in first. All seemed lost, but then she was unable to answer fast enough, giving my team a chance to tie up the game. My teammates Zuzu, Ean and I realized that if our teammate, Melanie, could answer this question, we could do better than tie the game and earn a last minute bonus question. On the other hand, not answering within seconds would lose us the entire game. I was attempting to count to three before buzzing in to give Melanie a chance at the buzzer. In a feat of teamwork, my teammates had the same thought, and Melanie came through and answered the question correctly, tying the game, and earning the bonus! We answered the bonus correctly as well and ended the game with a score of 20-30, ten points ahead instead of ten points behind. We had won!!"
/h2>"My teammates and I are very excited to be representing California at nationals in Louisville, Kentucky in November.” - Samuel
- Author: Marianne Bird
My favorite part of our Sacramento 4-H volunteer orientation comes when we introduce the 4-H Thriving Model (Arnold, 2018). “Think back to when you were a child or a teenager,” we ask. “Other than your parents, was there an adult—a coach, a teacher, a neighbor—who was special? What made them so?” As participants take a moment to remember, to share with a partner then perhaps with the larger group about this individual, the conversation deepens.
“I had a teacher who nominated me for an honor. She saw something in me that I didn't see in myself.”
“Every night at bedtime my camp counselor would spend a few minutes asking questions and just listening about our day. I bonded with them and our cabin group bonded with each other.”
“My high school economics teacher pushed me in a subject area completely new to me, and it was a turning point in how I engaged in learning.”
As I listen to these stories, I can't emphasize enough how important relationships with caring adults are in youth development work. In the 4-H Thriving Model, relationships are characterized as part of the “soil”—the foundational element—critical to a young person's (and I'd argue, anyone's) growth. Nutrient-rich soil grows strong plants. Or, as the metaphor goes, positive, caring adults develop healthy, capable youth.
What are the qualities of a caring adult? To cultivate strong relationships, consider the following.
- Express Care: What things can you do to help a young person feel special and important to you? Do you know not only their name, but a bit about who they are, what they enjoy, perhaps what they find difficult? Do you celebrate their successes?
- Challenge Growth: How do you engage youth in learning? How do you encourage goal setting and practice? Do you build in time for youth to reflect not just in their project, but on their leadership, teamwork, and responsibilities?
- Provide Support: What do the youth you work with need from you? Encouragement? Check-ins? Coaching? Have you asked them how you can best support their efforts?
- Share Power: How well do you build your program with young people, not just for young people? Do they share their thoughts with you? Do they assume leadership roles? How might you listen better to incorporate their ideas into your project?
- Expand Possibilities: What can you do to help youth see and connect with a bigger future? Might you bring in speakers or plan for field trips to explore education or career possibilities? For older youth, are there doors you might open or connections you might facilitate?
There is no greater compliment than when an adult looks back and says, “You made a difference in my life.” Each one of us is in a position to be that special person. What a gift.
Marianne Bird, 4-H Youth Development Advisor
mbird@ucanr.edu
Arnold, M. E. (2018). From context to outcomes: A thriving model for 4-H youth development programs. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 6 (1), 141-160.
- Author: Saoimanu Sope
Small containers with varying levels of sugar sit next to a row of beverages, including water, fruit juices, soda, a sports drink and chocolate milk. Trying to match each container with the beverage that contains its corresponding amount of sugar, Amore, a fourth grader, reads the nutrition label on the orange juice bottle. “What does the bottle say?” asked a student in the audience, attempting to help Amore.
Life skills such as how to read a nutrition label are representative of learning that youth can expect when joining 4-H, a nationwide program focused on empowering kids ages 5 to 18. 4-H offers experiential learning opportunities ranging from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and healthy living to civic engagement and leadership.
To expand its reach and make their program more accessible, 4-H launched a digital learning platform called CLOVER by 4-H that offers content tailored for three types of users: learner, parent and educator. As the platform grows in popularity, 4-H is eager to identify best practices in engaging new users to join the platform and retain their interest.
More than 250 free 4-H lessons
In California, 4-H programs are overseen by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Given its successful contributions to statewide initiatives in the past, 4-H in Orange County, administered through the local UC Cooperative Extension office, was one of three counties selected to participate in a CLOVER pilot project in conjunction with the National 4-H Council. With more than 250 4-H lessons available online at no cost, the pilot project aims to introduce its users to 4-H.
To generate interest, 4-H in Orange County is leveraging connections to local Boys and Girls Clubs. In March, they hosted more than 20 kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove (BGCGG) – including Amore – for a day of learning and exploration at the UC South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine, where the 4-H program for Orange County is based.
Rita Jakel, community education specialist and program coordinator for 4-H of Orange County, said that partnering with BGCGG will, hopefully, inspire its members to join their local 4-H club.
“The youth created a CLOVER account before engaging in eight CLOVER lessons taught by the staff at the Boys and Girls Club during their weeklong Spring Break Day Camp,” said Jakel, noting that the participants were introduced to 4-H before arriving to South Coast REC for in-person activities.
Interactive nutrition and gardening lessons
During their visit, the participants engaged in a typical day of 4-H lessons featuring presentations from the local Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and UC Master Gardener volunteers. Jakel then wrapped up with interactive sessions on animal adaptations—understanding the challenges animals face in gathering food—as well as lessons on growing and cooking with herbs.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of working with young people is the opportunity to creatively educate them on various subjects, ensuring that learning is both enjoyable and engaging,” said Javier Miramontes, community nutrition and health supervisor for EFNEP in Orange and Los Angeles counties, who started the day off with the lesson on nutrition labels.
Miramontes visually explained how much sugar is found in various beverages and then challenged the students to do so on their own. “It's important to me that all students participate, as engagement is key at their age, not only for inclusivity but also to maintain their focus,” he said. Miramontes concluded with a review of his lesson and was pleased that most of the class demonstrated a solid understanding of the key topics.
While the intention of CLOVER is to introduce users to 4-H in hopes that they would want to become members of their local clubs, Jakel believes that participating through CLOVER could be just as effective, if not more. “We're testing out the idea of bringing kids to our facility for typical 4-H programming. If they like it, our hope is that they'll sign up on CLOVER and gain access to our educational approach there,” said Jakel.
4-H in person and online
The goal is to give youth options so that the 4-H experience, whether in person or online, does not feel out of reach.
When discussing their collaboration, Jakel said that the BGCGG staff would continue to support interested kids and their families with CLOVER registration. The staff also agreed to conduct programming based on the digital platform at their facility to continue exposing BGCGG members to all that 4-H has to offer, which they have already reported as easy to implement and engaging among the youth.
During their time in the garden, members learned about vermiculture and how worms are essential for compost. Mary Nguyen, STEM specialist for BGCGG, said that she enjoyed watching the youth light up when they are playing in the dirt and learning about how fruits can be combined to produce new generations. To wrap up their visit to the garden, the group received a small worm box to use for their own school garden.
“I hope that more fun field trips – and hands-on activities involving research that youth can participate in – will come from our partnership with South Coast REC and 4-H,” Nguyen said.
Field trips to see, touch, smell and taste
From a UC Master Gardener's perspective, the youth were extremely interested in learning about everything and asked many questions. “I loved their curiosity,” said UC Master Gardener volunteer Laura Holly, who helped with the garden demonstration and tour of UC South Coast Research and Extension Center. “They wanted to know why certain pipes were painted purple (to indicate reclaimed water), about the windmills and how avocado trees are grafted.”
“More children would benefit from seeing how the trees that produce the fruit they eat grow,” Holly added.
Hannah, a fourth grader, said that she loved the lesson on herbs that Jakel led before the participants boarded the bus to return home. All members got to see, touch, smell and taste four different herbs before planting their own to take home. “I had a lot of fun. I think if I had to grow one thing, it would be chives. They actually taste really good,” Hannah said.
Amore, who knew what lavender smelled like before, had never seen a lavender plant. “My mom loves lavender, but I didn't know this is what it looks like. I planted some lavender to take home for her,” she said.
The partnership with BGCGG is one of many that Jakel hopes to foster in Orange County, in addition to uniting UCCE programs to enrich the learning experience for youth who visit South Coast REC and those enrolled in the 4-H program. Her goal, in line with that of CLOVER, is to make 4-H programming more accessible for the youth, parents and educators alike.
To learn more about 4-H in Orange County, visit https://oc4h.org/.
- Author: Toni Dowdell
- Editor: Suzanne Morikawa
Editor's Note:
At this time of year, Senior 4-H'ers are graduating out of high school and into their next step in life. As parents, we celebrate our children's accomplishments and are proud to share them widely! As our 4-H'ers graduate to their next adventure, we want to acknowledge all the parents, family members, and 4-H volunteers who have served as leaders and mentors to help our youth grow their skills for the future.
This post was written by Toni Dowdell. She is the mother of Eve Dowdell, our 4-H Communications Intern in the State Office. It was originally published in the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau News in October 2023 (p.22).
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4-H Member to 4-H Alumna to 4-H Intern
Aging out of 4-H is that sort of rite of passage at a time when young adult 4-H'ers are easing their way into full-on adulthood. These youth members continue in 4-H until they reach the age of nineteen and can no longer participate in 4-H as a youth member. While some move onto other paths, most go on to give back to 4-H in one way or another. Discovering a way to do both has become a delight for Eve Dowdell, a 2022 4-H alumna. She completed her 4-H youth career and is embarking on the road to 4-H adult volunteering and state internship.
Eve Dowdell was pinned “4-H Alumna” at the State Leadership Conference. During the ceremony, Eve was announced as a recipient of both the Golden Clover Award and the Diamond Clover, the highest achievement for which a 4-H member is recognized. As well, 4-H members, leaders, and representatives from all over California bid her farewell on her 2021-2022 term as State Ambassador. Eve is the first State Ambassador from Stanislaus County in five years; that's since Gabriella Germann, a Stanislaus County native, served on the 2016-2017 State Ambassador team.
Eve's notable 4-H skills and accomplishments enabled her to shine as State Ambassador. She and her team developed a campaign centered on encouraging youth to begin living their legacy now. While her team was responsible for implementing CA 4-H Youth Development Programs, creating educational workshops for County 4-H Ambassadors, and facilitating educational programs for other States' Ambassadors, Eve had the availability and specialized skillset to represent her team at Ag Day at the Capitol and on various State 4-H committees. She was invited to present informational sessions for the State 4-H staff towards advancing the CA 4-H social media platform. Using her talent for publicizing wacky Tiktok's to classy Instagram stories, Eve designed and shared content to boost the presence of the CA 4-H brand, the State Ambassador's platform, and CA 4-H Ag.
Eve's passion for 4-H, communication, and pink showed through in all of her social media promotions. With little effort, anyone could see how 4-H is an avenue to cultivate her sparks and share them with her community. She seized every opportunity to mention her favorite things and how they relate to her 4-H experience. Her videos supporting upcoming 4-H events or honoring heroes, National American Sign Language (ASL) Day, and National Pink Day were her way of connecting with her fellow members in her own unique way.
Among her role as State Ambassador, Eve has had many successes in 4-H that led to significant contributions during her 4-H years. Her service as County President of Hi 4-H (yes, the ones who make the delicious milkshakes at the county fair!), President of Shooting Stars 4-H (her home club of eleven years), and Staff/Counselor on the County Camp Committee are just a few of them. She served her third term on the State 4-H Advisory Committee and helped run the first State Camping Conference since the pandemic. Eve thrives on communicating with 4-H'ers across the state and supporting them in their endeavors. Whether through club work, county programs, or national opportunities, her caring and influencing attitude promotes a sense of belonging and gives 4-H members the prompting they need to believe they can achieve their goals, master skills, and positively impact their communities. She says seeing young 4-H'ers taking advantage of all that 4-H has to offer reminds her of her own early 4-H years, when her eyes dazzled at the sight of older 4-H'ers in the spotlight.
Over the years, Eve has been an outstanding role model who has connected to and affected the lives of many. With great compassion, competency, and character, Eve has shown that she embodies the essence of a true leader. Her influence has mostly been recognized in her commitment to 4-H project leadership. Particularly, projects such as ASL, Dance, Communications, and Embroidery, where she embraced her sparks, are her favorite projects to lead. Through all her project roles, her magnetic personality inspires others, adults and youth members alike, to succeed in facing life's challenges with integrity, determination, and a smile. Eve continues to serve 4-H members as an officer advisor for Shooting Stars 4-H club, county co-advisor for the Stanislaus Hi 4-H Committee, and assistant to County Ambassador teams. Most recently, she started as a student intern in Marketing and Communications for the UC ANR State 4-H Youth Development Program. In Eve's effort to give back through her internship, she creates and maintains marketing communications that showcase the best of CA 4-H members, and continues to promote State 4-H programs.
As Eve is no stranger to achievement, she is making headlines at Modesto Junior College (MJC), where she pursues Communication Studies. Her contributions on campus have put her in the spotlight as ASL Club officer, President of Alpha Kappa chapter of Sigma Chi Eta, and member of the 2022-2023 Intercollegiate Speech & Debate Team. Her time on the Speech & Debate team has earned MJC the Hornet Cup, 1st Place Sweepstakes Award, and the Phi Ro Pi 2023 National Award. Eve began her competition year as Top Novice at the Golden Gate Opener, then took two 1st Placings at the Mustang and the Paul Winters Invitationals for her persuasive speech performance. In her speech, she advocated for the deaf community by calling for ADA accommodations in drive-throughs. She went on to claim 3rd Place at the Northern CA Forensics Association Championship and 1st Places in both Communication Analysis and Persuasive Speech at the Hornet Tournament. These accomplishments are a credit to all her years of learning by doing in 4-H. Eve says she pulls from her experience toolbox, having learned and taught the value of resiliency, civil discourse, motivating others for impactful change, and building connections. Eve is a tremendous source of encouragement and guidance, with a tenacity for working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and mindsets. Eve adds
“Whether I am tutoring or facilitating a campus life event, I want to be an approachable light and friend to the students of MJC. I've been privileged with opportunities to employ self-management. Now I want to contribute my skills, insight, and perspective, and give back what I have been so generously given. As I develop my own passions and knowledge, I am only fulfilled knowing that I have also influenced another's growth and sparked their passions. Like 4-H, MJC has a powerful foundation, helping students grow in their field of study. I'm thankful to be a contributor to that growth.”
Eve's greatest passion remains in her faith. She regularly makes time to support youth mentorship and volunteers as a bible study leader and on the prayer team for her church, JC Fans.
Let's celebrate and thank Eve for sharing her time, gifts, and positive attitude for the benefit of our 4-H youth and our community.
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