December 2025 4-H Newsletter | Currently active 4-H Adult Volunteers and 4-H Members are subscribed to the California 4-H State newsletter. If you unsubscribe you will stop receiving ALL emails from the California 4-H state office. Please click UPDATE PROFILE below if you want to remove yourself from this list but still remain on other California 4-H mailing lists. View as Webpage | | Discover with the Director | | |
Can you believe we’ve reached the end of another calendar year? Wow! What an incredible experience it is to be part of a statewide community that gives so generously to help all youth learn, grow, and achieve.
There have been so many successes to celebrate- California 4-H youth earning local, state, and national awards; 4-H personnel receiving national recognition, and volunteers who have dedicated twenty, thirty, and even more than forty years to this program. We also extend heartfelt appreciation to the individual and organizational donors whose contributions have enabled youth to attend camps, leadership programs, and regional, statewide, and national competitions, proudly representing the state of California and gaining experiences that last a lifetime.
When a young person has an “aha” moment- discovering their spark or area of interest that leads to personal and professional growth- you may or may not be in the room. Please know that your investment and care echo in their lives as they go on to lead, serve, and uplift their communities. For that, we are deeply grateful: to every 4-H youth who shows up wholeheartedly; to every 4-H family and volunteer who stays committed and doesn’t give up or give out when obstacles arise; to our current and retired local educators, regional program coordinators and supervisors, academic advisors and academic coordinators; our administrative support teams; and our state office staff. Your contributions cannot be measured in hours alone- your impact is truly priceless. Our communities, our state, and our world are better because each of you (youth and adults alike) is part of this work and cares so deeply.
My hope is that this holiday season brings you and your loved ones safety, rest, and an abundance of joy and prosperity that carries into the new year and beyond.
Happy Holidays!
Shout Outs
We are delighted to announce two new hires on the statewide 4-H team! Tanner Whetzel is a new Community Education Specialist in Mendocino County and Mario Monroy-Olivas is a new Community Education Specialist in Tehama County. Welcome aboard!!
We celebrate those who participated in the recent Giving Tuesday campaign. By midnight, the statewide program received over 100 gifts totaling more than $30,000, most of which was designated to support local programming. By county, our highest total number of donors and total gift amount recognition goes to the Placer County 4-H Robotics Program! Congratulations to Placer County and all counties who will benefit from generous donations of any amount. All funds designated for a county will remain in that county to support local 4-H programming.
| | |
Please join us in welcoming the new 4-H Clubs listed below who were chartered in 2025!! Welcome!
Del Norte County: Wild River 4-H Club
Kern County: Highland River 4-H Club
Mendocino County: Ft. Bragg 4-H Club
Modoc County: Tulelake 4-H Club
San Bernardino County: Big Bear Foresters 4-H Club
San Diego County: LOV 4-H Club
Santa Barbara County: Cuyama Valley 4-H Club
Santa Clara County: Lexington Hills 4-H Club
San Luis Obispo County: Santa Lucia 4-H Community Club
Sonoma County: Cazadero Hills 4-H Club, Redwood 4-H Club, Spring Hills 4-H Club
In Community and with Steadfast, Unmovable Hope…
| | As we close out this year and begin a new one, we are launching a section to recognize volunteers who stand out for their service and contributions. Selections are made by 4-H personnel so please submit recommendations through your county Extension Office to the 4-H Regional Program Coordinator/Supervisor. | |
Ms. Melanie Fowle-Nelson, Siskiyou County
Ms. Melanie Fowle-Nelson is serving her 48th year as a Siskiyou County Volunteer. She was also a youth member for an additional 10 years. Ms. Melanie has served in many roles including Community Club leader, Project leader for Livestock Judging, Beef and Sheep. She has been instrumental in providing support to county events and activities and always is willing to support the youth of Siskiyou County and beyond. Thank you, Ms. Melanie, for your years of dedicated service as a 4-H Volunteer.
| | |
Ms. Virginia Bartholomew, Lassen County
For more than 36 years Ms. Virginia has quietly been the inspiration and backbone of 4-H clubs in Lassen County. Ms. Virginia’s contribution to 4-H began when her oldest daughter, Melinda, joined 4-H at the age of nine. She has served as a co-community leader of Lake 4-H and Standish 4-H.
She has led countless projects from sewing and Make it With Wool, to arts and crafts, scrapbooking, and card making. She has helped her members make beautiful cards and notes to go with care packages for our local military service members. She put together gift bags for all judges and participants at Favorite Food Day and decorated them with individual hand cut fall designs. Recently, a young member wanted to participate in the Veterans Day parade and she used her sewing skills to produce a white saddle blanket with green 4-H clovers in the back corners. The members that she has tutored over the years have now enrolled their own children in 4-H because of the positive experience Ms. Virginia provided.
| |
Ms. Sue Garcia, San Mateo County
Ms. Sue Garcia is recognized for more than 30 years of dedicated service as a volunteer, a remarkable milestone that reflects her unwavering commitment to our San Mateo County 4-H program and community.
Ms. Sue plays a key role in organizing the 4-H Scholarship II Breakfast for exhibitors and their families, 4-H Fair Potluck dinners, and San Mateo County Fair Buyer’s Auction Lunch.
| | | Year-round, Ms. Sue coordinates and facilitates awarding the 4-H Alumni Scholarships (Scholarship II) for 4-H alumni in their second year of college or beyond. She also assists with the 4-H Program Support Trust applications and awards, which fund major project or renovation needs so these costs don’t fall on families. One of the most adaptable volunteers in the county, Ms. Sue embraces new technologies and navigates changes with grace, positivity, and her signature smile. Her dedication is truly exceptional, and we are deeply grateful for her decades of service. | |
Thank you for your support on Giving Tuesday
As of midnight, on #GivingTuesday 2025, your generosity helped raise over $30,000 in support of California 4-H youth!
Because of you, more young people across the state will have access to hands-on learning, positive mentorship, and opportunities that build confidence, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to service. True to the 4-H pledge, youth are stepping up to improve their communities — and supporters like you make it possible.
Thank you for believing in their bright futures and for championing the next generation of leaders. We can’t wait to share the stories, progress, and impact your gift creates in the year ahead.
| | | | |
December 1 marked the end of the 5-month overlap of service. This is the grace period that allows Adult Volunteers enrolled in the 2024-25 year to continue to serve the program into the 2025-26 year. For the remainder of the current program year, you must have Active enrollment status in ZSuite prior to serving as a 4-H Adult Volunteer.
Please work with your local county 4-H office to complete all Volunteer appointment requirements so your enrollment may be approved in ZSuite and made Active.
Leaders with unit management permissions can identify volunteers active in the previous year by following the steps outlined in the Unit Leaders: Identifying Volunteers Active Last Year helpsheet.
| |
Temporary Training Now Available
Thank you for your patience as we work through recent technical issues with the Campus learning system. While Campus is undergoing repairs, we want to make sure you can still complete your required Annual Training without delay.
How to Complete Your Training Right Now
We have created a temporary web-based version of the training modules that you can complete outside of Campus. Each module includes its own short quiz to record your completion. Simply click the module links, complete the training, take the quiz for that module, and you’re done.
You can find the Temporary Training Solution and the module links on the CA 4-H Learning Hub webpage.
When Your Completion Will Show Up
Training completion records are updated every Friday by 5:00 p.m. (Pacific).
If you finish your training on a Friday, your record will appear in the next Friday’s update.
What’s Next
- The temporary training option will remain available through December 7.
- Campus is expected to reopen on December 8, as long as all system checks look good.
We truly appreciate your flexibility during this unexpected outage. Your commitment to completing the Annual Training course helps ensure a safe, welcoming, and high-quality experience for every young person we serve. If you have questions, please reach out to your county 4-H office- we’re here to help!
Technical Support
Should you encounter any challenges while exploring the courses offered by CA 4-H, don't hesitate to submit a support ticket. Our team is committed to promptly addressing your inquiries and ensuring you stay on the path to success. Getting you to success is our top priority!
| |
Volunteer Cafe: Working with Youth in Leadership
Thursday, December 18, 2025, 7 – 8 p.m.
Via Zoom: Register to receive login information
This interactive session is perfect for those interested in boosting engagement with youth in leadership roles such as junior and teen leaders, teen teachers, officers, and more. This session will teach you how to collaborate effectively with youth leaders and help them set and achieve their goals. Through hands-on activities and insightful discussions, you'll explore the benefits and challenges of youth leadership, learn from the "Checklist for Youth and Adults Working Together," and understand key leadership competencies and the "GPS System." By the end, you'll have new strategies to make your projects more engaging and ensure the success of young leaders. Don't miss this chance to enhance your skills and make a positive impact on your youth programs!
Led by Nicole Marshall-Wheeler, 4-H Youth Development Advisor
As an Area 4-H Youth Development Advisor for Butte, Colusa, and Glenn Counties, Nicole Marshall-Wheeler aims to provide mentorship and academic support to the Counties and staff which she supervises, as well as supporting the state-wide 4-H program by contributing to research, curriculum development, and more.
Interested in more Volunteer Cafe sessions?
For general information, resources from past sessions, and to register for upcoming webinars, visit The Volunteer Café website at https://bit.ly/volunteer-cafe.
| | Devil's Garden Colt Challenge | | | | |
It is that time again, applications for the Devil's Garden Colt Challenge are open! The Devil's Garden Colt Challenge is an opportunity for youth to take home and train a wild horse. Horses are typically weanlings but older horses can be made available for experienced 4-H'ers.
Youth trainers are given a 6 month training window and an opportunity to compete at the Colt Challenge which is held at the Modoc District Fair in August. The top trainer receives $1000 cash. There are over $3500 in prizes total.
Youth can view and pick up horses in Alturas, Litchfield and Ridgecrest, CA. Check out this blog for more information: DevilsgardenucceColt Challenge FAQ
| | California 4-H 2026 Horse Classic | | California 4-H Holiday Schedule | | |
As we approach the busy holiday season and the end of the year, please make note of the following office closure dates:
Winter break - Wednesday, December 24, 2025- Thursday, January 1, 2026
Offices will reopen Friday, January 2, 2026.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
| | | | |
