Ventura County 4-H Featured on Our Ventura TV
Ventura County 4-H Youth Development Advisor Melissa Guillen recently joined Our Ventura TV to share more about 4-H and the opportunities available to youth and families throughout Ventura County.
During the interview, Guillen discussed the 4-H Youth Development Program and what makes 4-H unique. As one the nation's largest youth development organizations, 4-H provides hands-on learning experiences that help young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, explore new interests, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
The conversation highlighted the wide variety of projects and learning opportunities available through 4-H. While many people associate 4-H with agriculture and animal projects, today's 4-H programs also include STEM, robotics, environmental stewardship, healthy living, public speaking, leadership, arts, civic engagement, career exploration, and community service. Youth are encouraged to explore their interests, develop new skills, and discover their "spark" through experiential learning and supportive relationships with adult volunteers and mentors.
Watch the full interview to learn more about Ventura County 4-H and how youth and families can get involved.
Outstanding Ventura County 4-H Members at 2026 California State Field Day
Ventura County 4-H is proud to recognize three outstanding members who earned top honors at the 2026 California State Field Day, demonstrating excellence in public speaking, presentations, and leadership.
Evelyn earned Gold in the Senior Division of the Interview Contest and received a Platinum award in the Senior Division Demonstration/Illustrated Talk category for her presentation, Science and Techniques – High Jump. Her achievements reflect the strong communication, preparation, and presentation skills developed through 4-H participation.
Shelby received a Blue award in the Intermediate Division (ages 11–13) Impromptu Speech contest. Competing in an event that requires participants to organize and deliver a speech on the spot, Shelby demonstrated confidence, critical thinking, and effective public speaking skills.
Rose earned a Blue award in the Junior Division (ages 9–10) Informative Prepared Speech category for her presentation, How I Stopped a Bill. Her accomplishment highlights the ability of young 4-H members to research important topics and communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.
California State Field Day provides youth from across the state the opportunity to showcase the skills they have developed through 4-H in communication, leadership, and civic engagement. Ventura County 4-H congratulates Evelyn, Shelby, and Rose on their outstanding accomplishments and for representing our county so well at the state level.
Congratulations to all three members on this well-deserved recognition!
Ventura County 4-H Youth Shine at Presentation Day
Ventura County 4-H youth recently took the stage to showcase their skills, confidence, and creativity at this year’s Presentation Day, as highlighted in a feature by Ventura Breeze.
Presentation Day is a cornerstone of the 4-H experience, where young people develop and demonstrate public speaking, storytelling, and subject matter expertise. Youth participants prepared and delivered presentations across a range of topics, building confidence while strengthening their ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
The event brought together youth, families, and volunteers from across Ventura County, creating a supportive environment that celebrates effort, growth, and achievement. Participants engaged in a variety of presentation formats, from demonstrations to interpretive talks, reflecting both their individual interests and the breadth of 4-H programming.
Experiences like Presentation Day play an important role in preparing youth for future success. Through hands-on learning and real-world application, 4-H helps young people build critical life skills such as communication, leadership, and adaptability—skills that are essential for college, careers, and community engagement.
We are incredibly proud of all the youth who participated and grateful to the volunteers, families, and partners who make opportunities like this possible.