Marin 4-H Project Catalog 2026-2027

Marin 4-H Project Catalog 2026-27

4-H Youth Member Enrollment Instructions

Thank you for your interest in becoming a 4-H youth member. Youth are eligible to participate in 4-H if they meet the following criteria:

Primary Member: Must be 5 years old on or before December 31, 2026. Primary members cannot enroll in large animal projects. Youth who turn 9 on or after January 1, 2027 must participate as a primary member until the end of the program year. Primary members cannot enroll in large animal projects. Approved primary member animal projects are dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, poultry, bees, mice, embryology, entomology, marine science, pygmy and Nigerian dwarf goats and therapeutic animal projects.
Junior, Intermediate and Senior Members: Must be 9 years old on or before December 31, 2026. Youth may join as long as they are not 19 years old on or before December 31, 2026. Youth who turn 19 and who are already a 4-H member may continue capstone activities through December 31, 2026. Junior members are 9 to 10 years old; Intermediate members are 11 to 13 years old; Senior members are 14 to 18 years old.

Our Marin 4-H Calendar of Events and Projects is the best way to stay up to date with the latest events/project dates for the upcoming year

Enrollment Step 1: Submit 4-H youth member enrollment online at ZSuite enrollment website.

• Returning 4-H Members: login using your username, password and PIN. Login to the Primary profile and click Enroll Member/Volunteer Now for the applicable member. Enter all required information and submit. The youth member enrollment status will show as PENDING APPROVAL. Note: Choose the unit’s name “Unified Marin County 4-H Club & VMO”

• New Families to 4-H: Click Sign Up and create a household. Click + Household member to add individuals to the household. Enter all required information and submit. The youth member enrollment status will show as PENDING APPROVAL.

The application is reviewed by the County 4-H Office. When approved, notification of your 4-H youth member will be sent from ZSuite.

Enrollment Step 2: Sign-up for 4-H projects and pay the enrollment fee of $75 on the Marin 4-H Project Selection and Payment Survey

Projects to come (TBD):
Soccer for Success
LEGOs at the Libraries
Day Camps (Winter, Spring and Summer)
Return to the landing page for more information about Marin 4-H

6 youth in their outfits they sewed for a fashion event on the couch in front of them are projects they made in their classes. A crocheted snake and upcycled backpack

Advanced Machine Sewing (Novato)

Create gifts, learn to follow patterns, make up your own patterns & complete a sewing project for Fashion Revue in April. Members will also be encouraged to enter their projects into the county fairs.

ZSuite Project: Sewing
Project Leader: Christine Magtibay (jc_sky@hotmail.com)
Eligibility: Age 10 to 18 (prior sewing machine knowledge and how to work a machine on their own)
Date and Time: 1st Wednesdays ~ 4:30-6:30pm ~ October to April
Location: 4-H office, 1682 Novato Blvd.
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 16

Close-up of a child painting a colorful sunset landscape while surrounded by watercolor paints, pastel sticks, brushes, and other art supplies on a wooden table.

Art Project (San Rafael)

Come explore a range of different art mediums – paints, pastels, prints, watercolors, tie dye, drawing, and sculpture. Depending on member age and interests we will go on an art adventure to see all the different materials today’s artist used in their creations.

ZSuite Project: Arts & Crafts
Project Leader: Caryl Hodges (carylhodges14@gmail.com)
Eligibility: Age 5 to 18 and adults invited to join in too!
Day and Time: Mondays ~ 6:30-7:30pm.
Fall dates: 10/5; 11/30
Spring dates: To be determined at November Project Meeting.
Location: First Congregational Church of San Rafael, 8 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 12.
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll anytime.

Four young people work together on a car in a garage, with one youth using a wrench under the hood while the others assist and observe. Tools and automotive equipment surround them.

Automotive Project (Novato)

Learn the basics of automobiles while developing hands-on skills and confidence! Youth will explore vehicle safety, maintenance, tools, and how different automotive systems work. Activities may include checking fluids, changing a tire, learning basic engine components, and practicing routine vehicle care. This project is a great opportunity for youth to gain practical skills they can use for years to come.

ZSuite Project: Automotive
Project Leader: Christine Magtibay (jc_sky@hotmail.com), and Jason Xiong
Eligibility: Age 8-18; 8- to 10-year-old members must have a parent present 11- to 18-year-old members may be dropped off.
Date and Time: 1st Saturdays ~ 12pm-1:30pm ~ October
Location: Lighthouse Church
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 16

4-H member in a white uniform and green hat and tie with two beef cattle on each side of the member

Beef Cattle Showmanship (West Marin)

Learn the skills needed to confidently prepare and show a beef animal in the show ring! Members will learn proper handling, grooming, fitting, leading, and presentation techniques while developing a strong understanding of animal care and safety. Through hands-on activities and practice, youth will build confidence, responsibility, communication, and teamwork while learning how to present their animal to the best of their ability.

ZSuite Project: Beef Cattle
Project Leader: Erika Maloney, (ekitten08@yahoo.com), Kevin Maloney, & Teen Leader: Clare Maloney.
Eligibility: Ages 9 to 18
Date and Time: Starts in March ~ Wednesdays ~ 5:00-6:30pm.
Location: To be announced upon enrollment.
Supplemental Fee: Members will need to purchase their own animal and house them if wanting to participate in fair or livestock shows.
Maximum enrollment: 8
Enrollment deadline: April 2027

A hand-crocheted pink, purple, and blue granny square poncho is displayed with a Marin County Fair First Place ribbon and a Special Award ribbon.

Beginning & Advanced Crochet (Novato)

Come join us to learn beginning or advanced crochet techniques! Beginners will learn basic stitches, pattern reading and more. Advanced crocheters learn more advanced stitches/pattern reading. Linda brings her lifetime crochet expertise along with Anita's advanced skills. Our leaders will provide a project according to level, this group is open to all levels. Opportunities for field trips possible to local shops and farms. If you've ever wanted to learn about the fiber arts or crochet, this group is an opportunity you don't want to miss!

ZSuite Project: Crochet with Maryjane and Linda
Project Leader: Maryjane Large (mjclarge@protonmail.com), Linda Karinen (Lcmw3@yahoo.com), Teen Leader: Anita Widney
Eligibility: Ages 9 to 18.
Date and Time: 2nd Wednesdays ~ 7:00- 8:15pm
Location: 4-H office 1682 Novato Blvd
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 16
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll anytime.

close-up of a girl hand sewing a purple piece of fabric a collection of needles and blue thread on the table.

Beginning Hand Sewing (Novato)

Learn basic hand stitches through creative projects (to sew buttons, write words, make flowers, mending techniques). Even if you know how to sew, you will learn how to improve and expand your skills.

ZSuite Project: Sewing
Project Leader: Christine Magtibay (jc_sky@hotmail.com)
Eligibility: Age 5 to 18
Date and Time: 1st Wednesday ~ 3:00-5:00pm ~ October to January.
Location: 4-H office, 1682 Novato Blvd.
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 16
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll anytime.

A 4-H youth volunteer sits behind a sewing machine, showing children how to work with colorful fabric scraps during a hands-on sewing activity. Families and visitors walk through the event space in the background.

Beginning Machine Sewing (Novato)

New beginner sewers welcome! Repeat beginner sewers welcome back, as your skills will improve and get you ready to move to the advanced machine sewing class. We will have new projects each month and will work towards a Fashion Revue project and something to enter into the fair. Please bring a sewing machine (if you have one) or there will be a few machines available to share. Parents are encouraged to stay, so you can both learn the machine and they can continue to sew at home with your help.

ZSuite Project: Sewing
Project Leader: Christine Magtibay (jc_sky@hotmail.com)
Eligibility: 5-9 years with an accompanying adult, 10 yrs+ can be dropped off, (if familiar with a machine)
Date and Time: 2nd Wednesdays ~ 3:00-4:30pm.
~Note: Reserve the 2nd Wednesdays and classes will be organized according to skill, age, machine availability and class size. Once divided each class will sew 3-4 projects.~
Location: 4-H office, 1682 Novato Blvd.
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 16
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll anytime.

A youth livestock show takes place in an outdoor grass arena surrounded by rolling green hills. Two 4-H members dressed in white show attire with green neck scarves present white sheep to a judge standing across the ring. Spectators watch from benches behind the fence on a sunny day, with fences, oak trees, and a hay bale target visible in the rural background.

Breeding & Market Sheep and Goat (West Marin)

Learn about the sheep and goat market showmanship. This project provides youth with a fun and hands on learning experience which develops both sheep subject skills (such as nutrition, housing, and health care) and life skills (such as responsibility, decision-making, nurturing and communications.) Friendly note: geared towards youth wanting to show at fairs/livestock shows.

ZSuite Project: Market Goats &Sheep
Project Leader: Erika Maloney, (ekitten08@yahoo.com), Teen Leader: Clare Maloney.
Eligibility: Ages 9 to 18
Date and Time: Starts in March ~ 2nd Tuesdays ~ 5:00-6:30pm.
Location: To be announced upon enrollment.
Supplemental Fee: Members will need to purchase their own animal and house them if wanting to participate in fair or livestock shows.
Maximum enrollment: 8
Enrollment deadline: April 2027

a group of kids with a table full of Christmas cookies

C is for Cookie (San Rafael)

Come learn the basics of “how to make” all kinds of cookies for all occasions and from around the world. Create your own Cookie Cookbook and perhaps design our own Cookie Jar.

ZSuite Project: Cooking
Project Leader: Caryl Hodges (carylhodges14@gmail.com)
Eligibility: Age 5 to 18
Date and Time: Saturdays ~ 10:30am-12:00pm.
Fall dates: 10/24; 11/14; 12/5.
Spring dates: To be determined at November Project Meeting
Location: First Congregational Church of San Rafael, 8 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 8
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll anytime.

photo collage on the left photo is a boy dressed in blue crocheting a project using blue yarn, in the center photo a girl dressed in white crocheting with pink yarn and on the right photo is a girl dressed in white crocheting with tan yarn.

Crochet (Novato)

Learn the basic crochet stitches to make chains, pencil cases, drink coaster & 3D objects.

ZSuite Project: Crocheting with Gabriel
Project Leader: Gabriel Magtibay and Christine Magtibay (jc_sky@hotmail.com)
Eligibility: Ages 5-18: 5-8yrs with an accompanying adult, 9+ can be dropped off.
Date and Time: 4th Wednesdays ~ 3:30-5:00 pm ~ October, January, February, March, and April.
Location: 4-H office, 1682 Novato Blvd.
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 16
Enrollment deadline: December 31st.

A recycled art piece diorama recreates the iconic raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima in 1945. Small green toy soldiers raise a miniature U.S. flag atop a hill constructed from stacked bottle caps and cardboard, with crumpled brown paper and sand representing the rocky landscape. Additional toy soldiers stand at the base of the hill, and a handwritten label on the front reads, "The Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima 1945."

Fair Projects (Novato)

Join us as we explore the fair project manual for various local fairs. We will provide art supplies for kids to select projects to work on for two hours. Occasionally, students may complete several quicker projects. At the end of each session, we will brainstorm ideas for the following month's art activities!

ZSuite Project: Arts & Crafts
Project Leader: Christine Magtibay (jc_sky@hotmail.com)
Eligibility: Ages 5-18
Date and Time: 3rd Wednesdays ~ 3:00-5:00pm ~ February to May.
Location: 4-H office, 1682 Novato Blvd.
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 16
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll anytime.

A 4-H member in a white uniform with a green scarf and hat combing a white horse with a horse trailer in the background

H-Lane Vaqueros Advanced Horse & Pony (Novato)

Horses and ponies - animal care, stable management and English riding. Must have prior riding experience. Members participate in 4-H Presentation Days at County, Regional and State levels and State Educational Contests with the goal to compete at the National level. May also participate in riding competitions and clinics when available.

ZSuite Project: Horses and/or Ponies
Project Leader: Pat Duffy and Mimi Duffy and Rosella Arnold
Eligibility: Ages 9 to 18; for safety youth must have prior riding experience, be able to saddle and bridle independently.
Date and Time: First Start Date Saturday, August 29th at 12pm. Following meetings occurs every 1st and 3rd Saturday.
Location: To be announced upon enrollment.
Supplemental Fee: Additional barn & tack fees are required, paid directly by check. Please inquire with the 4-H project leader.
Maximum enrollment: 10
Enrollment deadline: October 15th. Please contact the project leader before enrollment.

4-H Horse Education & Health graphic featuring a child grooming a pony and other children learning about horses, caring for animals, and helping with stable management. Text highlights learning about horses and ponies, animal care, stable management, kindness, and participation in 4-H Presentation Days and State Educational Contests.

Horse Education & Health(Novato)

Focus on learning about horses & ponies, animal care, stable management. Knowledge program for kids under 9. Members participate in 4-H Presentation Days at County, Regional and State levels and State Educational Contests.

ZSuite Project: Ag in the Classroom/Horse Education & Health
Project Leader: Pat Duffy and Mimi Duffy and Rosella Arnold
Eligibility: Ages 6 to 9 must have an accompanying adult present.
Date and Time: First Start Date Saturday, August 29th at 12pm. Following meetings occurs every 1st and 3rd Saturday.
Location: To be announced upon enrollment.
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 16
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll any time.

Three young people sit together knitting colorful projects with yarn and knitting needles. Balls of yarn, a basket of yarn, and a plate of cookies are arranged on the table in front of them.

Knitting (West Marin)

Learn the basics of handknitting: The knit stitch, purl stitch, cast-on and bind-off. We make simple, fun, useful items! Experienced knitters welcome to bring their projects and/or start new ones!

ZSuite Project: Knitting
Project Leader: Susan Giacomini Allan (susan@essanayfilms.com) and Lisa Westin (lisawestin@me.com)
Eligibility: Ages 9-18 (Note that ability to write in cursive indicates readiness for knitting.)
Date and Time: Sunday 2pm-4:30pm ~ Weekly ~ January 10th-31st. One joint meeting with archery on Feb. 6th.
Location: To be announced upon enrollment
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 10
Enrollment deadline: January 4th, 2027

Two children use cameras to photograph wildflowers and nature outdoors on a sunny day.

Photography (Novato)

Members will learn how to set up their cameras, basic editing techniques, and subject framing, etiquette, and perspective. From portraits, pets, to landscapes and micro subjects we will cover versatile photography subjects. Bring any type of camera, i.e. smartphone camera, digital camera, etc. all are acceptable. Email Abigail if you are unsure.

ZSuite Project: Photography
Project Leader: Abigail Magtibay (abi.magt08@gmail.com) and Christine Magtibay (jc_sky@hotmail.com)
Eligibility: Ages 6-18
Date and Time: 2nd Fridays ~ 4:30pm-6:00pm ~ October to April.
Location: 4-H office, 1682 Novato Blvd in addition to one/ two off site locations.
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 16
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll anytime.

Three young people work together in a colorful garden, planting and watering vegetables while examining plants and insects with a magnifying glass. Flowers, a butterfly, bee, ladybug, and insect habitat are visible throughout the garden.

Pollinators, Pests and Gardening Project (San Rafael)

What kinds of gardens are there? What makes a good garden for you? What are pollinators? What are pests? Join our second year learning about plant, gardens and all the unique species that live in gardens. Why are they important to our gardens, agriculture, and the ecosystem as a whole? We will try to have at least one field trip to a local nursery to learn about plants that grow best where we live…….and what pollinators and pests live where we live too. Depending on timing perhaps we can participate in harvesting honey from our San Rafael beehive.

ZSuite Project: Pollinators- Bee Keeping and Gardening
Project Leader: Caryl Hodges (carylhodges14@gmail.com)
Eligibility: Age 5 to 18 and adults invited to join in too!
Day and Time: Sundays ~12:30 pm-1:30pm.
Fall dates: 10/12; 11/16.
Spring dates: To be determined at November Project Meeting.
Location: First Congregational Church of San Rafael, 8 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 12
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll anytime.

A youth participates in poultry showmanship at an indoor fair, kneeling beside a white rooster in a sawdust-covered show ring while demonstrating careful handling and presentation.

Poultry Project (West Marin)

Discover the fun and rewarding world of raising poultry! Members will learn how to care for and manage chickens and other poultry while gaining hands-on experience with feeding, housing, health, handling, and daily care. Youth will also explore poultry breeds, and showmanship while developing responsibility, animal care skills, and confidence. Friendly note: geared towards youth wanting to show at fairs/livestock shows.

ZSuite Project: Poultry
Project Leader: Erika Maloney, (ekitten08@yahoo.com), Kevin Maloney, & Teen Leader: Clare Maloney.
Eligibility: Ages 9 to 18
Date and Time: Starts in March ~ Wednesdays ~ 5:00-6:30pm.
Location: To be announced upon enrollment.
Supplemental Fee: Members will need to purchase their own animal and house them if wanting to participate in fair or livestock shows.
Maximum enrollment: 8
Enrollment deadline: April 2027

Rocketry (Novato)

Learn about model rockets! We will build and fly model rockets and learn about how they fly and how they relate to real rockets and aerospace.

ZSuite Project: Aerospace & Rocketry
Project Leader: Elisabeth Wade (wadee@sonoma.edu)
Eligibility: Ages 8 to 18, 12 years and under must have a parent present.
Date and Time: Oct 11, Nov 14, and Dec 12 from 2 pm - 3:30 pm. Painting day and local launch TBA. Potential launch opportunity in Farmington, CA on Saturday, January 2nd.
Location: 4-H office, 1682 Novato Blvd.
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 16
Enrollment deadline: Must make the first or second meeting.

4 youth members in the frame. Two youth have a bow and arrow and two are standing behind as spectators. In the background are two archery targets on hay bales

Shooting Sports: Archery (West Marin)

Members will learn how to safely operate and maintain archery equipment as well as learn how to shoot. Youth will review safety at the beginning of each meeting.

ZSuite Project: Shooting Sports: Archery
Project Leader: Pat Karinen (p34karinen@gmail.com) and Rodney DeBois (bfasrjc@outlook.com)
Eligibility: Ages 9 to 18
Date and Time: Starts in January ~ 1st Saturdays ~ 9am-11am.
Location: Bianchini Ranch, Point-Reyes Station, CA
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 16
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll anytime.

a girl holding a shotgun with an adult male instructor next to her looking in the distance. Green grass with cement pathways are seen on the ground with a mountain landscape in the background.

Shooting Sports: Shotgun

We instruct our members in firearm safety and trap shooting skills. We meet from September through June once a month.

ZSuite Project: Shooting Sports: Shotgun
Project Leader: Martin Charles (Mpcharles@live.com) and Pat Karinen (p34karinen@gmail.com)
Eligibility: Age 9 to 18. Must be strong enough to safely point an 8 lbs shotgun
Date and Time: 2nd Saturdays ~ 9am to 12pm ~ September to June
Location: Valley of the Moon Trap Club, 27000 Burndale Road, Sonoma
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 30
Enrollment deadline: New members must make either September 12th or October 10th meetings to sign up and participate in the required safety class.

Small Animal Project (San Rafael)

Learn the care and handling of poultry, rabbits, cavies (Guinea pigs), reptiles and other pocket pets. Learn about the different breeds, health care, and the role these animals have in different cultures around the world. Learn how to judge as well as show poultry, rabbits and cavies in competitions. Bring your animal(s) to the meeting, if you have one (it is not required). Make sure animal(s) are in a cage/box carrier with a solid bottom and bring water and food. If you have a small carpet square for your animal to stand on, bring that too.

ZSuite Project: Poultry, Rabbits, Guinea Pig, Pocket Pets and Reptiles.
Project Leader: Caryl Hodges (carylhodges14@gmail.com)
Eligibility: Age 5 to 18
Day and Time: Mondays ~ 6:30-7:30pm
Fall Dates: 10/19; 11/16;
Spring Dates: To be determined at November Project Meeting
Location: First Congregational Church of San Rafael, 8 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael
Supplemental Fee: $0 Families will need to cover the cost of owning their animal(s).
Maximum enrollment: 12
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll anytime.

Group of teens and adults posing together in a cozy library or common room, standing and seated around two older adults in wheelchairs, with bookshelves filled with books in the background.

Teens Leading & Learning Club (Novato)

Teen Club members step into leadership by giving back with hands-on service opportunities, working alongside fellow teens to impact the community. Teens build core leadership skills like effective communication, problem solving, public speaking, and trust-building, while learning to adapt to different situations and groups. These experiences will help teens grow into stronger, more confident leaders in school and life — and as counselors at Marin 4-H Summer Camp.

ZSuite Project: Community Service
Project Leader: Annie van den Toorn (annievanden@hotmail.com) and Michelle Bertram (mich_bertram@yahoo.com )
Eligibility: 8th-10th grades (2026-2027)
Date and Time: One Sunday per month ~ November to June
Location: Will vary across Marin County
Supplemental Fee: $0
Maximum enrollment: 12
Enrollment deadline: None, enroll anytime.