June 2nd, 2026

Below is a list of current club meeting dates, times, and locations. Please contact the club leader prior to attending a meeting in case something has changed. Ask the club leader how they share important information.

Be sure to check and follow FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and the REMIND app!!

New events and activities will be added as more information is received.

This guidebook is a tool to help families plan. Some information will be updated throughout the year. We will include detailed event information in the newsletter as event dates get closer.

County Information

4-H Bake Day 2026

Limited to first 20 participants

June 23rd, 2026

Heart of Oklahoma Expo Conference Center

Learn about the science of bread while making your own pizza dough, then assemble and bake your own creations.

Register at the link above by June 16th!

Cupcake Wars - Cupcake Decorating Contest

Get creative with fellow 4-Hers and compete with your team to design the best cupcakes!

If you do not have a team already, sign up individually and we will place you with a team!

This event will be following 4-H Bake day and has it's own sign up! Be sure to sign up for both if you would like to attend both events!

Afterwards we will have optional activities including a service project. We will be making birthday boxes to donate to Community Market.

Registration closes June 16th 2026

4-H STEM Day

July 2026

Join us for a day of STEM activities. Our very own Pottawatomie County 4-H STEM innovators will host workshops in the morning. In the afternoon we will have OSU college undergraduate students (STEMists) who are excited to share their passion for science, technology, engineering, and math.


Date and sign up will be posted on Remind app and Z-Suite Homepage. We do not have a date for the state STEMists as of June 2nd, but will update as soon as we hear back!

Medal applications 2026

Each 4-H program year members can apply for two (2) project medals for work they have completed. By completing this application and showing you have met the minimum requirements of the project area you will receive your medal(s) at the Annual 4-H Awards Banquet in the fall. 


A medal can only be earned once for each project area in a 4-H career. A member can reapply for a medal if one has not been awarded. Certificates of Achievement will be awarded if not all medal requirements are met. For each year you continue working in a specific project, complete a medal form as a record of your work. This information becomes a record of what you accomplish each year and can be used to earn special awards. Club leaders will review applications for approval. Youth must attend at least 50% of local club meetings to be eligible for a medal. Medal applications are due no later than June 11th.

County Record Books

Due June 11th 2026


State Record Book Judging

Call for volunteers


Record Book Interviews take place in person in Stillwater, June 9. Here’s the link to sign up as an Interview Judge: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=HclpKknoNE6iMM34sn4ZZKcwAuENygRMjHgN_p-iyORUMVEzWkpDRkUxNFJQR1dVUlFQUENRNFRMUC4u&route=shorturl


OK 4-H will be starting a new livestock skillathon competition Summer 2026

Pottawatomie County 4-Hers interested in competing or joining a team should contact Kortni and fill out this interest form: Livestock Skillathon – Fill out form

There was a previous issue with the microsoft form - it is now fixed and everyone should be able to sign up! Please check again if you tried to sign up previously!

Contest: JULY 21st 1:00pm

Payne County Fairgrounds

Junior (3rd-7th grade)

Senior (8th-12th grade)

Individual &/or teams of 3-4

This will follow the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon categories found here: https://youthlivestockcontests.org/4-h-livestock-skillathon

This is a comprehensive contest of all livestock skills including: hay, breeds, equipment ID, meat ID and evaluation, nutrition and more!


Oklahoma State Parks Service Project

Pottawatomie County 4-H participation in the Oklahoma State Parks Service Project - if you are interested in volunteering with Oklahoma State Parks please fill out this form: Pottawatomie County 4-H - Oklahoma State parks service project – Fill out form


We have many state parks in Oklahoma and most are in need of volunteers and service-learning project opportunities! See below a list of Oklahoma State Parks and what projects they are needing help with. At the bottom of the document are Educational programs the parks are willing to offer. It's a Win, Win! 4-H Youth help the parks, and the parks help provide learning opportunities for 4-H Youth!



District & State Events

Oklahoma State 4-H Council Applications

Due June 15th!

Oklahoma State 4-H Council Applications are taking a new look. Youth who are at least 15 years of age by July 22nd, 2026 are eligible to run for State Council positions. Information about specifics are available on the information sheet. Youth, parents, and educators need to review the information on the Information Sheet. Applications are on Microsoft Forms and there is a certification and commitment form that will need to be signed and emailed to Gail Taylor at the State 4-H Office. Applicants will have to complete the required training through Clover Academy on ZSuite as well. Applications, Certification and Commitment Forms, and Training all have to be completed by June 15th!

For more information including links to application, certification and commitment forms, and training please visit: https://4h.okstate.edu/members/state-council

4-H Skills Adventure Day

June 25, 2026

McAlester Expo

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

$20 per member

Register with Pottawatomie County Extension office by June 8th!

Multi-County STEM Day Camp

Join Oklahoma County in a STEM Day Camp June 16

9am-3pm

3rd-7th grade

Horse Project Items


NRHA and NRCHA Cowhorse Clinic - May 23rd in Stillwater

Entry $25 - limited to 40 youth

State 4-H Horse Show

July 9-11th Chickasha, OK - Must compete at District to be eligible




Sun Safety for Spring & Summer

As so many 4-H activities take place outdoors, it is important to take a moment to remember sun safety. As you work livestock, garden, hike, and take part in many other outdoor activities remember to protect yourself from the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it 15-30 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Other protective measures include wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, lightweight long sleeves, and seeking shade during peak hours (10am-4pm).

Registration due: June 10th via Z-Suite

Cost: $5/participant (includes adults and volunteers)

MVSKOKE TRADITIONS: A 4-H Summer Experience

July 30–31, 2026 at the College of the Muscogee Nation in Okmulgee.

This unique two-day DAY CAMP is a collaborative effort between OSU Extension, Tribal Extension, and CMN Extension and is open to all youth entering grades 3–12. Youth do not have to be tribal members or current 4-H members to attend.

The camp will focus on cultural learning, traditional games, outdoor activities, creativity, and community connection. Lunch will be provided both days, enrollment will be free, and space will be limited (only 30 seats available).

Get ready, Food, Fun, 4-H Takes Flight is almost ready for takeoff!

Registration opens June 1 in ZSuite for this 3-month summer experience designed for Oklahoma 4-H youth and families. Through hands-on cooking, family activities, and cultural exploration, participants will “travel” to new countries right from their own kitchens while learning healthy living skills along the way.

Best of all, this program is available to all Oklahoma 4-H members at no cost!

This year’s adventure includes fun recipes, family physical activity challenges, and opportunities for youth to explore foods and traditions from around the world. 

Help us spread the word to families in your county so they don’t miss this summer opportunity!

Clover-Grams

 

Spread a little positive energy during State 4-H Round-Up with a Clover-Gram! Clover-Grams are a fun way to encourage newcomers, friends, seniors, honorees, educators, and volunteers. Use them to send greetings, share your pride, or show appreciation for all of their hard work and accomplishments! All Clover-Gram items will be distributed during State 4-H Round-Up for your convenience.

 

Clover-Gram Options

  • $2 – Round-Up 4-H Sticker
  • $5 – Clover-Gram Package
  • Includes a can of pop, candy, and a 4-H water bottle sticker. Send a little ray of sunshine to brighten someone’s day!
  • $10 – Round-Up Survival Kit
  • Includes a toiletry bag with 4-H logo, first aid kit, candy, ChapStick, and gum — all the must-haves in one place!

This fundraiser supports the Oklahoma 4-H Association Scholarship Fund.

 

Order Information

Please mail checks and order forms to:

 

Payne County Extension

Attn: OAE4-HYDP Fundraiser

315 W. 6th Ave., Suite 103

Stillwater, OK 74074

Make checks payable to: Payne County OSU Extension

 

Deadline

All orders and payments are due by July 1.

4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training

 

Certification Training for 4-H Adult Volunteers in the 4-H Shooting Sports Program

 

The 4-H Shooting Sports program is one of the largest 4-H programs in the nation. Community-based and family-oriented, it offers a diverse curriculum that not only helps young people develop good citizenship, personal responsibility, and leadership skills but also teaches shooting safety and gun owner responsibility. Leaders will be trained to help youth learn self-discipline, sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and an appreciation for the great outdoors.

 

Training Dates: August 15-16, 2026

Location: Beckham County Fairgrounds and Red Dirt Shooting Club - Sayre, OK

Cost: $100 ($50.00 for Slingshot), the registration fee covers the instructor manual, class materials, meals, snacks, and insurance.

Courses: Shotgun, Archery, Rifle/Pistol, Muzzleloader, Hunting Skills, Western Heritage, & Slingshot

Slingshot is a 1-day training (Aug. 15) 

Registration and fee must be received by August 7, 2026 - https://4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/49475

 

Requirements: Shooting Sports Instructor Training Participants must be a certified 4-H Volunteer in their home county. All adults serving as county coaches in any discipline or as the county coordinator of the 4-H Shooting Sports Program must complete and pass the entire training in their discipline or as a coordinator and the Youth Development/Risk Management component. The instructor in each class reserves the right to NOT certify a person if he/she feels the candidate will not be a competent instructor or coordinator.

2026 Payne County 4-H Outdoor Archery Fun Shoot

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Payne County Fairgrounds

 

Registration Deadline: September 18, 2026

 

Outdoor Registration Link

Indoor Registration Link

Oklahoma Conference on Volunteerism - Awards Webinar Watch the Recording Anytime!

If you couldn’t join us for the recent Oklahoma Conference on Volunteerism Awards Webinar—or if you’d like to review the information again—the full recording is now available on YouTube.

The session walks through each award category, explains narrative and supporting material requirements, and demonstrates how to access and submit applications through InfoReady. It’s a helpful resource for anyone preparing an entry for the 2026 Oklahoma Conference on Volunteerism Awards.

🎥 Watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/lkoOu0d-_UI



2026 Tuesday Tool Time Schedule

The OK 4-H Volunteer Board has planned another year of timely topics for parents, volunteers, and Extension educators. Each session has its own registration link and scheduled from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

Aug 4 - Volunteer & Leadership Development - TBD

Nov 3 - STEM in Your Club and Project Areas – Learn simple ways to incorporate STEM into any 4-H project area using hands-on activities and leadership opportunities.  

Dec 1 – Next Steps of Leadership - Wondering how your 4-Hers can achieve one of those 4-H green jackets? Join us for information, details, and tips to help your 4-Hers take those next steps of leadership. We’ll discuss State Ambassador, Shooting Sports Ambassador, Healthy Living Ambassador, and Science Innovators, as well as running for District and State leadership positionsWe will also discuss state-level civic engagement opportunities like 4-H Day at the Capitol and out-of-state trips to be able to visit with your county educator about how to encourage youth to travel with 4-H. 


Save the dates

June 2-5 - Leadership Team Retreat

June 2- SE District 4-H Horse Show

June 9 - Oklahoma 4-H Record Book Interviews

Jun 13-23 Citizen Washington Focus

June 21-26 National 4-H Shooting Sports Grand Island

Jun 21-26 Oklahoma Extension Conference on Volunteerism

Jun 23 SE District Animal Science Field Day

Jun 25 SE District Life Skills: Level up Your Life

July 1 LEAP

July 14-16 Big Three

July 15 State 4-H Wheat Show

July 21- Livestock Skill-A-Thon Contest at Payne County Expo

July 21-24 Roundup

Aug 22-23 State 4-H Leadership Council Retreat

Sep 1-2 OYE Shooting Sports

Sep 2-3 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Capital Camp

Sep 11-12 ZZZ's Under the Seas

Sep 19 OKC Cupcake Wars

Sep 23 Finals OYE Shooting Sports

Oct 1-31 Oklahoma 4-H Month

Oct 3 Tulsa Cupcake Wars

Oct 4 State 4-H Ambassador Fall Meeting

Oct 24 State 4-H Trap Shoot

Oct 25 State 4-H Sporting Clays

Oct 25 State 4-H Western Heritage

Oct 29- Say YES to FCS Day

Oct 31 State 4-H .22 Rifle and .22 Pistol

Nov 1 State 4-H Skeet and Muzzleloader

Nov 2 Clover Classic Golf Tournament

Nov 6 Healthy Living Summit

Nov 7- Ok 4-H Junior Governor

Nov 14-15 State 4-H Outdoor Archery & Hunting Skills

Nov 21 STEM for Yall

Nov 27-Dec 1 National 4-H Congress

Dec 2 Wheat Show Banquet

Dec 5 State 4-H Air rifle and Air Pistol


2027

Jan 29-30 Science Night at the Museum

Feb 26-28 Innovate Leadership Summit

Feb 28 State 4-H Ambassador Spring Meeting

Mar 6 4-H Rising Leaders Conference

Mar 9-19 OYE

Mar 17-21 Ignite by 4-H

Apr 21 4-H Day at the Capital

Apr 24 State 4-H Land, Meat, Livestock Judging

Apr State 4-H Record Books due

May 11 State 4-H Record Book Judging

Jun 1 Leadership Team Retreat

Jun 8 State 4-H Record Book Interviews

Jun 25-26 4-H Parent Volunteer Conference

Jul 21 State 4-H Wheat Show

Jul 20-22 Big Three Livestock Judging

Jul 27-30 Roundup

Dig into a new year with 
Oklahoma 4-H!



Enrollment for 2025-2026

ALL VOLUNTEERS & YOUTH

enrollment should be complete by

NOVEMBER 1st


Visit 4h.zsuite.org

Other Opportunities

Join Pottawatomie County 4-H Remind


Receive text messages through your phone or download the remind app

to receive reminders about county events and activities.


Text the class code to 81010


Class Name: Pottawatomie County 4-H

Class Code: @4hpottawa


Click here to learn more.

Interested in learning more from the State 4-H Office about more in-depth project opportunities - Join the 4-H FOCUS on YOUTH e-newsletter

School Absence Requests

To Request a 4-H Absence complete the form below. Pottawatomie County 4-H supports the use of excused absences in accordance with state law HB 1006 (a of Guidelines for Excused Absence is available upon request). Events must be 4-H Sanctioned events and preapproved.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

for Adults and Youth


Each year certified volunteers are required to take Working with Minors and Civil Rights training along with 4 more continuing education classes by July 1.

2 of the 4 trainings have to be at the county level.

Adult volunteers and teen leaders can also take the required Working with Minors and Civil Rights training on their own in zsuites under Clover Academy. You must be logged into your individual profile and not just the family/household profile. Please email Jessica when you complete an online training in zsuites because it does not automatically trigger an email to the office. We can look it up to confirm, but we don't know to look, if you don't tell us.


New volunteers will need to complete New Volunteer Orientation (face to face), Working with Minors, Civil Rights, reference checks and background check before being approved in zsuites. Once you are approved you will need to complete 3 more continuing education units by July 1.

Enrollment


Follow the link to enroll or re-enroll in 4-H for the 2025-26 project year!


Payment options

  • Card on Z Suite Website
  • Cash or Check Pottawatomie County Extension Office
  • If you choose this option, you cannot be approved for enrollment until payment is received at the extension office. Please keep this in mind, as 4-H'ers must be enrolled to participate in county and state events and contests.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.. For more information, visit https://eeo.okstate.edu.


OSU is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, E-Verify Employer. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communications, program information, or reasonable accommodations need to contact Pottawatomie County OSU Extension at (405) 273-7683 at least two weeks prior to the event.