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Throughout the 2025–2026 program year, Lake County 4-H provided meaningful leadership, citizenship, STEM, agriculture, and healthy living experiences that empowered youth to become confident leaders, engaged citizens, and skilled problem-solvers. Through dedicated volunteers and strong community partnerships, hundreds of youth benefited from educational opportunities both within and beyond the 4-H program.
Leadership opportunities expanded with the reestablishment of the Lake County 4-H Ambassador Program, restoring a premier youth leadership opportunity within the county. Lake County 4-H Ambassador Phenix served as the inaugural ambassador under the reestablished program, representing Lake County 4-H at community events, promoting the 4-H Youth Development Program, mentoring younger members, and serving as a youth leader throughout the year. Your organization may request the 4-H Ambassador for your events. Three teen camp staff members, Luke, Khloe, and Zoey, also attended the California 4-H State Leadership Camp, where they strengthened their leadership and team-building skills through scholarships generously provided by Tractor Supply and our community shoppers. In addition, two members of the Civic & Leadership Project, Sephora and Phenix, earned the opportunity to attend the National 4-H Ignite Conference in Washington, D.C., after fundraising throughout the year to support their participation. The conference provided valuable leadership, civic engagement, and career exploration experiences.
Educational excellence was showcased through County and State 4-H Presentation Days, where youth delivered educational presentations and demonstrations. Lake County 4-H members also competed at the California 4-H State Field Day Robotics Competition, demonstrating innovation, engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The robotics program is generously sponsored by Reynolds, Inc.
Agricultural education remained a cornerstone of the program. In partnership with the Lake County Fair, Lake County 4-H helped coordinate Agriculture in the Classroom, providing approximately 700 students with educational field trip experience. This successful event was made possible through the dedication of volunteer educators, agricultural producers, and community vendors who showcased the diversity and importance of agriculture in Lake County.
Lake County 4-H also offered Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification training. This nationally recognized annual program prepares youth ages 8–21 who raise or exhibit livestock by emphasizing animal welfare, food safety, ethics, and responsible animal husbandry, ensuring exhibitors are well prepared for fair participation and lifelong agricultural stewardship.
Hands-on learning continued through the Junior Master Gardener Program at the Pomo Elementary After School Program, where youth explored gardening, environmental stewardship, and science-based activities that promoted healthy living and environmental awareness.
Community partnerships created additional opportunities for positive youth development. In collaboration with the Lake County Probation Department, an archery program introduced probationary youth to a safe and structured recreational activity while developing focus, patience, self-discipline, confidence, and emotional control.
The annual Lake-Mendocino 4-H Overnight Camp at Mendocino Woodlands provided 47 youth with an immersive outdoor education experience centered on leadership, teamwork, independence, environmental education, and personal growth. Teen leaders and adult volunteers worked together to create a safe, engaging, and memorable camp experience.
Community service remained a cornerstone of the program. Youth volunteered at the Kiwanis Community Breakfast, Good Farm Fund Dinner, Veterans Day ceremonies, and Wreaths Across America, strengthening community partnerships, honoring local traditions, and demonstrating an ongoing commitment to service.
Collectively, these experiences strengthened leadership, communication, teamwork, citizenship, agricultural literacy, and community engagement while increasing the visibility and impact of Lake County 4-H throughout the county, state, and nation. The continued dedication of volunteers, community partners, families, and youth made another successful year of positive youth development possible.
As the 2025–2026 program year concludes, Lake County 4-H looks forward to launching the 2026–2027 year at the Lake County Fair. Community members are encouraged to visit the 4-H exhibits and meet the youth who have dedicated months of hard work to their projects.
The fair offers an opportunity to see the results of year-long learning through educational displays, STEM projects, arts and crafts, photography, horticulture, and many other exhibits. Visitors are also invited to explore the livestock barns and meet 4-H members who proudly showcase the animals they have raised.
Raising livestock in 4-H is about much more than preparing an animal for the fair. Youth learn responsibility through daily care and feeding, develop record-keeping and financial management skills, practice proper animal health and welfare, and gain a deeper understanding of agriculture and food production. Along the way, they build confidence, strengthen communication and public speaking skills, practice sportsmanship, develop problem-solving abilities, and cultivate a strong work ethic while learning compassion and respect for the animals in their care.
The Lake County Fair celebrates the accomplishments of our local youth and the agricultural heritage of our community. We invite everyone to support our 4-H members by attending the fair, visiting the exhibits, asking questions, and cheering on these outstanding young people as they showcase the knowledge, skills, and leadership they have developed throughout the year.
To learn more about the 4-H Youth Development Program or to enroll, contact Jean Goulart, 4-H Community Education Specialist, at 707-263-6838, jgoulart@ucanr.edu, or visit the Lake County 4-H Office at 883 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport.
By Jean Goulart, 4-H Community Education Specialist
