4-H’ers SPEAK April/May
This newsletter shares timely updates, key deadlines, and opportunities to keep 4-H youth, volunteers, and families informed, celebrated, and ready for upcoming programs and events.
Ignite by 4-H Sparks Youth Leadership
Ignite by 4-H sparked inspiration in our youth! From March 25–28, Tulare County proudly awarded scholarships to five outstanding members to attend a national 4-H conference in Washington, D.C., designed for youth ages 14–19.
4-H’ers Speak Corner:
Bridget D., Liberty 4-H, High School Senior
“My favorite memory was listening to the guest speaker. Listening to her story of how her plans for her career didn’t go exactly as she planned but ended up working out better than she thought truly inspired me to work as hard for my career that she worked for hers. I learned about vertical farming and how it can increase the amount of fresh vegetables that are available in cities. Ignite taught me how many more possible careers there are in agriculture. It taught how I can set myself up for success in my future career.”
Brystal D., Liberty 4-H, High School Freshman
“Ignite really pushed me to have a career in animal science. I didn’t realize how many different jobs there were beside being a veterinarian. My favorite memory was getting to go learn about vertical farming for my off-site experience. It was really fun, I met new people, and learned a lot of new things. One thing I learned at ignite was stepping outside of my comfort zone. It was very fun getting to meet people while going to workshops. I would tell other youth to enjoy their time at Ignite and make the most of it, make sure you go to your workshops because they can actually be very fun and don’t be afraid to participate.”
Emma R., Elbow Creek, High School Freshman
“Ignite opened my mind to the many different paths I could take within 4-H. I learned how to make friends with new groups of people and how to compost. My favorite memory from Ignite was making bracelets and meeting new friends at the activity tables.”
Tulare County Events
California 4-H State 3D Archery Championship
On March 28th, counties from across California, including San Diego and Alameda, came together for an exciting 3D Archery Match!
Tulare County had an incredible showing: Alonso P. (107) earned the title of County Recurve Champion, Ruby R.(114) took home the State Recurve Championship, and Bruce H.(267) dominated as both our County and State Champion. An amazing day of 4-H skill and spirit—congratulations to all! Shout-out to Corey Gill and the Shooting Sports Committee for putting this event together!
Tulare County 4-H Dale Wimp Rifle
Bright and early on Saturday, April 11, nearly 45 youth from St. Aloysius, Elbow Creek, Vandalia, Prairie Center, and Springville gathered at the Dale Wimp Rifle Range for a day full of sharp shooting!
A huge round of applause for our top marksmen: Lucas G., Open Sight Champion with 303 points; Daisy B., Peep Sight Champion with an impressive 348 points; and Bruce H., our Overall Champion, leading the day with a standout score of 367. Way to go everyone! Shout-out to Don O’Dell, Jody Scheer, and the Shooting Sports Committee for putting this event together!
CA State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
Shoutout to our Tulare County youth who competed in the 2026 State Holstein Show on March 14!
In the junior division, Kaleb G. placed 4th and also received the Rita Valadao Memorial Award, earning a $500 scholarship and a heifer—an incredible achievement! Additional junior results include Kinley M. (3rd), Carl B. (2nd), and Kate K., who earned Champion Junior Showman (1st). Way to shine, Junior Division!
In the senior division, a big CONGRATULATIONS goes to Kaylee G.(Elbow Creek) placed 5th, and Kestin M. (St. Alo’s)
for earning 1st Place High Individual Overall.
Awesome work to all of our exhibitors, we see your hard work!
Volunteer Spotlight
April is National Volunteer Month, and we want to take a moment to celebrate and thank all our incredible volunteers who help leave a lasting, positive legacy in the Tulare County 4-H community.
This month, we’re especially proud to spotlight Don O’Dell, who has dedicated a whopping 30 years of service as a 4-H volunteer.
Don is truly a go-to leader in shooting sports, serving as a project leader while also contributing at both the state and national level on 4-H shooting sports committees.
Thank you, Don O’Dell, for your continued commitment, leadership, and unwavering support of our parents and, most importantly, our youth.
Youth Shoutout
We also celebrate our state runner-up, Alexa D. from Exeter 4-H author of “More Than Dust: The Vital Role of Pollen in a Honey Bee Colony.” Their essay highlights how pollen stored as bee bread fuels larval development, how pesticide exposure and reduced floral diversity threaten colony nutrition, and how seasonal pollen availability shapes hive temperament and productivity. Well done!
Leadership Development
During the Ignite by 4-H Conference, Bridget D., Michaela C., Trevor G., Emma R., and Brystal D. developed the “Trash to Treasure” Lead to Change project, a composting initiative created by Tulare County youth to make a positive impact in their community. Youth who are interested in developing their own ideas and competing at the state level can apply by May 15 for the opportunity to receive up to $2,000 in funding to bring their projects to life.
Learn more and apply online. Lead to Change website.
Get Involved- Fundraising Opportunities
Spring Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign
April 17 – May 3, 2026
Exciting things are underway for this year’s Spring Paper Clover campaign! In partnership with Tractor Supply Company, the state office is introducing a special opportunity to boost fundraising while engaging 4-H youth in a fun, community-centered experience.
Registration to Tractor Supply Event with Elbow Creek
Slot 2 (12 PM-2 PM) and Slot 3 (2 PM to 4 PM) still needs people. (April 25th)
Special Incentives for Participation
Participating stores will offer a $50 gift card to one local 4-H program. If multiple clubs are involved, county staff will determine how the card is distributed.
In addition, the Tractor Supply Foundation will match funds raised by the highest-earning state on April 25, with additional donations awarded to second- and third-place states.
We know spring is busy, but this is a great opportunity to raise funds, build community connections, and create a memorable experience for your 4-H families.
State Events Updates
Celebrate 4-H Seniors at State Field Day – May 23
State Field Day
State Field Day is the largest and one of the longest-running events in California 4-H. Youth have the opportunity to showcase skills they’ve developed through their 4-H experience, while families enjoy a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
Key Dates
• May 3–7: Virtual State Presentations
• May 14–16: Virtual State Interview Contest
• May 23: In-person State Field Day at UC Davis
Contests Offered
Forestry
Insect Identification
Photography (virtual only)
Plant Science (State Qualifier)
Robotics
State Interview Contest (virtual & in-person)
State Fashion Revue (State Qualifier)
State Presentations (virtual & in-person)
- Registration is open now through May 1 at 11:59 p.m. Register for as many contests as you wish. A flat fee of $15 for in-person competitors (this year includes lunch) and $10 for virtual contests will apply. Fee waivers are available upon request. State Field Day Registration
Questions: Contact us at 4hsfd@ucanr.edu. We look forward to seeing you there!
Share Your Story
Graduating seniors are invited to reflect on their journey:
- Where you started in 4-H
- How 4-H shaped who you are
- What’s next after high school
Pick Up Your Senior Recognition Items
Complete this quick survey to reserve your celebration gifts:
- Yard sign
- Green and white honor cord
Certificate
Why It Matters
4-H prepares youth for life beyond the program—building skills in leadership, communication, confidence, and purpose. Our graduates leave not just with memories, but ready to make a difference.
Event Details
Who: Graduating seniors, families, and supporters
What: A celebration of stories, achievements, and future plans
When: May 23, 2026
Come celebrate how far our seniors have come—and where they’re going next.
Enrollment System Rollover
ZSuite Enrollment closed June 23 to July 14
Families and volunteers will no longer be able to self-enroll in ZSuite on June 23 at 12 p.m. We anticipate families' and volunteers’ self-enrollment functionality will be restored on July 14, 2026.
Families are encouraged to delay re-enrollment for the 2026-27 program year until the system is open for self-enrollment on July 14.
If enrollment or re-enrollment is necessary during the interim period the systems are offline, your county staff will work with you to complete the enrollment process.
Please note: Any early enrollments in ZSuite before the official opening of the system will be deleted. All dates listed are subject to change based on our vendor and California 4-H needs. Any changes will be broadly communicated by the State 4-H Office.
Accessibility
Accessibility Deadline: May 11, 2026
Beginning May 11, 2026, all 4-H digital content must meet federal accessibility requirements. This includes websites, webinars, social media, email newsletters, and all shared online documents.
What does “accessible” mean?
Accessible content ensures that everyone can engage with 4-H information by:
Making content easy to see for individuals with vision challenges
Using clear, simple language for better understanding
Supporting tools like screen readers, captions, and keyboard navigation
We are committed to supporting you in this transition. Training and resources will be shared to help ensure all 4-H content is inclusive and accessible to every audience.
Fun Fact about 4-H
Did you know?
"In 1989, the 4-H flag traveled to outer space aboard the U.S. Space Shuttle Atlantis, carried by astronaut Mary Cleave" -What is 4-H?