North State Youth Become Resilient, Adaptable and Ready for Work and Life through Local 4-H Clubs

Every child is valuable and deserves the support and freedom to choose their own path. This is one of the core beliefs of 4-H, America’s largest youth development organization which has for more than 100 years welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.

4H, which has empowered more than 6 million young people, is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences through which young people learn by doing. 4-H is administered in California through California State universities.

Nearly every town in every North State county has an active 4-H Club in which caring and trusted adult mentors cultivate positive relationships with youth, helping them to become confident, hard-working, determined, responsible and compassionate. These young people see a world beyond themselves and develop life-long skills to succeed in college and career.

Featured here are just a sample of the many North State kids and teens who are working to complete hands-on projects, receiving guidance from adult mentors who encourage them to take on proactive leadership roles.

Ayla, Palo Cedro 4-H

Millville Elementary School third grade student Ayla says she is “really excited because I am finally old enough to raise and show a market animal at the Shasta District Fair.” Besides the Market Goat and Dairy Goat projects, Ayla is also in the Horse Project, Outdoor Adventures/Hiking Project and Record Keeping Project. “I love 4-H because I have made some great friends with similar interests,” she says. “I am learning about leadership, responsibility and animal care and I get the opportunity to help my local area through community service.”

Hailee Luiz, Big Springs 4-H

Yreka High School student Hailee Luiz started 4-H at the age of 5 and over the years participated in sewing, the Nigerian dwarf goat project and Columbia sheep. She has such a love of animals that she now also shows Hampshire market lambs, has a flock of 10 Columbia ewes and 3 Hampshire ewes, has a Boer goat project and shows dairy cattle. She is the National Columbia Sheep Association Ambassador and places high in shows on a state and national level. Hailie recently won California Make it With Wool contest with a wool outfit she sewed herself. Hailee says, “Without 4-H, I never would have had the confidence to give a speech in front of a couple of hundred people to enter the ambassador contest, do FFA public speaking and livestock judging or gotten to travel to Wyoming, Utah, Kentucky, Colorado and Texas to compete with my goat and sewing projects.”

Aaron, Bowman 4-H

Aaron, a 14-year-old eight grader at Evergreen Middle School, actively participates in a wide range of projects. From market beef and breeding beef to dairy cows, pygmy goats, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, sheep, photography and community service, Aaron’s commitment to 4-H is clear. He’s also a proud participant in BLAST, the leadership program for 4-H, where he continues to develop his leadership skills. “I love 4-H because it allows me to engage in fun activities with friends, make new ones, and work toward making his community a better place,” Aaron says. His passion for the program reflects his hard work, determination and the strong sense of responsibility that 4-H helps cultivate in its members.

Gabe, Grenada 4-H

This is Gabe’s fifth year in Grenada 4-H and he has participated in 4-H Turkeys, Swine and Veterinary Science. In 2022 Gabe won Grand Champion turkey at the local county fair and was part of the winning state Veterinary Science competition team in 2024. “I have learned many things in 4-H, from turkeys, to pigs and veterinary science,” says Gabe. “But the thing I like the most is all the new friends I’ve made through 4-H.”

Kaitlyn Harris, Grenada 4-H 

Kaitlyn is 15 years old, a senior 4-H member and vice president of Grenada 4-H. She has a heart for teaching younger members and making all feel welcome. Kaitlyn has decided to challenge herself this year and raise a new species – market sheep. She is also enrolled in 4-H Arts and Crafts, Public Speaking and Cooking.

Griffin, Grenada 4-H

Griffin has been in 4-H for five years. He raises market sheep and participates in 4-H Arts and Crafts and community service events and is currently starting to explore 3D printing and design both in and out of 4-H. Griffin says, “My favorite part of 4-H is raising animals. The project is so rewarding”

Emma Harris, Grenada 4-H

13-year-old Emma is a junior 4-H member and correspondence secretary of Grenada 4-H. Emma has gained strong communication skills and loves community service projects. She is raising multiple species including rabbits, guinea pigs and beef cattle. Emma is also enrolled in 4-H Arts and Crafts and Public Speaking.

Brayleigh Root, Butte Valley 4-H

12-year-old Brayleigh Root is currently in her fourth year showing sheep in 4-H. “I really love raising and showing my sheep at the Tulelake fair and getting to grow and learn more every year about this project. I just want to be someone who keeps agriculture fun and growing for not only my generation but for the future generations.” Brayleigh believes the key to success is to “find good animals and out-work everyone else.”

Carson Harris, Grenada 4-H 

Carson is nine years old, a junior 4-H member and Sergeant of Arms of Grenada 4H. Carson loves to show as many species as possible. He is enrolled in 4-H Vet Science, Sheep, Dairy Cattle, Arts and Crafts, Public Speaking and Poultry. Carson’s 4-H goal is to care for as many animals as possible.