4-H Youth Development Program University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Colored Logo

Marin 4-H

November Newsletter 

2026-27 Project Catalog

The 2026-27 Marin County 4-H Project Catalog


~New Project "Outdoor Cooking (West Marin)" starting in January~

Contact Karen Taylor or Kayla Gulick to be added to this project!


Don't Wait—4-H Enrollment Is Still Open! 🌱🎉


Explore the catalog (click link above) to see this year’s exciting selection of 4-H projects and find opportunities that match your child’s interests!



Ready to join 4-H? Complete these two steps to officially enroll:


Enrollment Step 1: Complete youth member enrollment through ZSuite


Visit the 4-H ZSuite enrollment website to submit your youth member enrollment.


  • Returning 4-H members: Log in using your username, password, and PIN. From the Primary profile, select “Enroll Member/Volunteer Now” for the applicable youth member and complete the required information. Be sure to select “Unified Marin County 4-H Club & VMO” as the unit.
  • New 4-H families: Select “Sign Up” to create a household, then click “+ Household member” to add each individual. Complete the required information and submit the enrollment.
  • Your youth member’s enrollment will show as Pending Approval while it is being reviewed by the Marin County 4-H Office. Once approved, you will receive a notification from ZSuite.


Enrollment Step 2: Select your projects and pay the enrollment fee


After completing your ZSuite enrollment, complete the Marin 4-H Project Selection & Payment Survey to select your 4-H projects and pay the $75 annual 4-H enrollment fee (plus the online processing fee when paying by credit card). The survey includes the available 2026–27 projects and age restrictions.


👉 Be sure to review the Project Catalog before completing the Project Selection & Payment Survey! Some projects have age requirements or previous experience requirements.

Need Help with 4-H Enrollment? Book an Office Hour!



Do you have questions about 4-H enrollment, volunteer requirements, projects, or upcoming events? I’m here to help!


I’m offering individual office-hour appointments so families and volunteers can connect with me one-on-one, ask questions, and get help with anything 4-H related. Whether you’re new to the program or a returning member, I’m happy to help make your 4-H experience as smooth as possible.


Schedule a time to meet with me:

Book Your 4-H Office Hour Appointment


Simply click the link to view available times and choose an appointment that works best for you.


I look forward to connecting with you and supporting your 4-H journey!

a man in safety gear handing over a shotgun to a student

Volunteer Spotlights: State 4-H

The state recognizes volunteers in their monthly newsletter and one of our very own was recognize in the October issue! Check it out!


Mr. Pat Karinen

Marin County


Mr. Pat Karinen has served as a volunteer with Marin County Shooting Sports for 34 years. He accepted the call to lead an archery program at 4-H camp approximately 15 years ago and now also serves on the 4-H Statewide Shooting Sports Committee.


Mr. Karinen shared that the most rewarding part of volunteering is watching young members grow up in the program. He often runs into former members who are now adults, and he loves seeing how they put their skills to use in meaningful ways. Many 4-H alumni have built careers on what they learned in 4-H, including roles in law enforcement, construction trades, and engineering. One of his former youth members now serves on the crew of a nuclear submarine in the U.S. Navy. Other alumni are leading in agriculture as farmers, ranchers, and dairy producers. He is especially proud of each of them! Three more are competing in collegiate shooting sports, two of whom are on shooting sports scholarships. 


Mr. Karinen's legacy of leadership continues through his family. One of his sons now serves as an adult volunteer with the club. Since 2018, the group Mr. K. serves has competed at the 4-H National Shooting Sports Championship five times. His entire family has contributed to the 4-H program in many other ways, and their leadership has shaped generations of youth. We are grateful to each of them for sharing their talents so generously.


Volunteer Requirements Breakdown


IMPORTANT: Volunteer Requirements Must Be Renewed Annually

All adult volunteer appointment requirements must be completed and renewed each 4-H program year. Returning volunteers must complete the annual re-appointment process, even if they have previously completed the volunteer requirements.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.


Questions about enrollment: Contact Martha Martinez at (415) 473- 4206.


STEP 1 — Complete the Interest Survey


NEW VOLUNTEERS ONLY

Complete the Marin County 4-H adult volunteer interest survey.


STEP 2 — Submit Your 4-H Adult Volunteer Enrollment in ZSuite

ALL NEW & RETURNING VOLUNTEERS — ANNUAL REQUIREMENT


New volunteers: Create a ZSuite account/household if you do not already have one, add yourself as a household member, complete all required information, and submit your enrollment.


Returning volunteers: Log in using your existing ZSuite credentials and select “Enroll Member/Volunteer Now” for the applicable member.

Your enrollment status will show as "PENDING APPROVAL" until the process is completed and approved.


STEP 3 — Complete the Required Volunteer Training

ALL NEW & RETURNING VOLUNTEERS — ANNUAL REQUIREMENT

Each program year, volunteers must complete the appropriate 2026–2027 California Volunteer Course through eXtension using the code "Marin".


NEW VOLUNTEERS — 4 training modules:

  • Orientation — 40 minutes
  • 2 Deep Supervision Policy — 5 minutes
  • CANRA for Volunteers — 30 minutes
  • 4-H Vision & Impact — 5 minutes


RETURNING VOLUNTEERS — 2 training modules:

  • CANRA for Volunteers — 30 minutes
  • 4-H Vision & Impact — 5 minutes


~Each volunteer must use their own unique email address.


STEP 4 — Complete the Payment Survey

ALL NEW & RETURNING VOLUNTEERS — ANNUAL REQUIREMENT


Complete the required payment survey as part of the annual enrollment process.


STEP 6 — Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting

NEW VOLUNTEERS ONLY


Complete a fingerprint background check (Live Scan) with the California Department of Justice. Print and complete this form to bring with you to your live scan appointment. Access the various locations in Marin County that offer live scan services. 


Returning volunteers do not repeat this step unless otherwise instructed or have a break in service.


IMPORTANT: You Must Be Approved Before Volunteering

Do not conduct 4-H meetings or activities, transport 4-H members, or perform other adult volunteer duties until your enrollment has been approved.

Returning volunteers: Re-appointment must be completed and approved by December 31, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2027, returning volunteers who have not been approved may not perform 4-H adult volunteer duties until they are re-appointed and approved.


Last Volunteer Virtual Training- Nov. 19th

Flyer titled “Marin County 4-H Volunteer Trainings” from the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources 4-H Youth Development Program. The flyer lists Zoom extension training dates for returning adult volunteers: September 16 at 7 p.m., October 13 at 7 p.m., and November 19 at 6 p.m. A training for new adult volunteers is November 11 at 6:30 p.m. The flyer also promotes an in-person Volunteer Kickoff Event with Live Scan and extension training on Tuesday, September 22, from 6–9 p.m. at 1682 Novato Blvd., Suite 201, Novato, CA 94947. Free on-site Live Scan and dinner will be provided, with registration required. The flyer includes a QR code and registration link, and lists Diego Mariscal as the contact for questions.


There is one more date in November to attend a virtual volunteer training to complete your eXtension courses! Register below to RSVP for those trainings!


Reach out to Kayla Gulick if you have any questions!


golden state warriors logo and Denver nuggets logo next to each other.

Golden State Warriors Fan Experience


The Golden State Warriors host the Denver Nuggets

Friday, December 25th at 7:30pm


All fans who purchase a ticket through 4-H can choose

between two exciting youth (4-17) fan experiences:


Anthem Buddy: 16 youth will go to the court before the game and stand with the Warriors

Players as they sing the National Anthem


Halftime Fan Tunnel: During halftime, 21 youth will go to the court to greet the players who

are returning to play the second half.



Youth will participate in ONE activity of their choice. Minimum 3 tickets purchased per

youth participating in each activity*


Pricing:

Upper Level Corner - $115/Ticket

Cache Creek Level (Lower Level Extension) - $225 (Food and Sodas/Water Included)

Other Sections Available Upon Request


*The Warriors have Minimum Ticket Threshold in order to allow youth to participate in

activities, so we must enforce a minimum

Summer Camp Updates

Now Accepting Camp

Staff Applications!


Requirements to Join Camp Staff

  • Must be entering grades 10–12 in Fall 2027
  • Have at least one year of camp experience under your belt
  • Be ready to take on leadership and help run Marin 4-H Summer Camp
  • Participate in staff training and camp prep activities
  • Must be available and attend Staff Training Weekend – March TBD
  • Lead Staff only: Be able to attend at least 80% of the adult Camp Committee Meetings- 1st Wednesdays of the month


Apply now until November 30th!


Calling All Parents, Alumni & Adult Volunteers!


Our camp community thrives because of the dedicated adults who help make camp possible. Adult recruitment happens year-round, and we would love to welcome more parents, alumni, and community members to our camp planning team!



We are currently looking to fill the following leadership positions:


  • Vice Chair
  • Treasurer
  • Assistant Clerk (shares responsibilities with the 4-H office)
  • Education Advisor
  • Safety, Health & Wellness Advisor
  • Mess Hall Manager


You don't have to be a camp expert to get involved! Whether you're a returning camp parent, an alum who wants to give back, or someone interested in supporting youth, there is a place for you on our team.


Interested in getting involved? Use the button below to join our camp team!

Flyer promoting the Marin County 4-H STEM Club and inviting teens to become mentors. The headline reads, “Ready to be the cool mentor? 4-H STEM Club.” The flyer encourages teens to lead, teach, and serve as role models for younger children, stating, “Younger kids look up to teens—now’s your chance to lead, teach, and be the role model they’ll always remember!” A QR code is provided to learn more. The flyer features colorful STEM-themed illustrations, including rockets, magnets, gears, molecules, a DNA strand, calculators, telescopes, and laptops. Logos for the UC 4-H Youth Development Program and Marin County Free Library appear at the bottom.

Calling All Adult & Teen Volunteers! Help Bring STEM to Our Libraries!


Over the past two years, Marin County 4-H has partnered with the Marin County Free Libraries to offer fun, hands-on STEM programs for youth.


We would love to continue growing these partnerships in Fairfax and Novato while expanding to additional library branches throughout Marin County!


To make these programs sustainable and reach more youth, we need volunteers like YOU! Whether you're an adult volunteer or a teen interested in sharing your love of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we would love to hear from you.


If you're interested in volunteering or know someone who might be, please complete the Google Form below to let the 4-H office know. Let's bring more hands-on learning opportunities to our communities!

November Calendar of Events & Projects

~Be sure to mark your calendars!~

  • November 4: Beginning Hand Sewing at 3:00 p.m.
  • November 7:
  • H-Vaqueros Horse Project and Horse Education at 12:00 p.m.
  • Automotive Project at 12:00 p.m.
  • November 11: Veterans Day: 4-H Office is Closed
  • Virtual Training for New Volunteers at 6:30 p.m.
  • November 12: Leadership Team Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
  • November 13: Photography Project at 4:30 p.m.
  • November 14:
  • Shooting Sports – Shotgun at 9:00 a.m.
  • C is for Cookie Project at 10:30 a.m.
  • Rocketry Project at 2:00 p.m.
  • November 16: Small Animal Project at 6:30 p.m.
  • November 18:
  • Beginner/Advanced Crochet with MJ at 7:00 p.m.
  • Paper Crafts Project at 3:00 p.m.
  • November 19: Virtual Training for Returning Volunteers at 6:00 p.m.
  • November 21: H-Vaqueros Horse Project and Horse Education at 12:00 p.m.
  • November 22: Pollinators and Gardening Project at 12:3o p.m.
  • November 25: Novato Community Service Event- Thanksgiving Boxes
  • November 21-27:
  • Thanksgiving Break
  • 4-H Day Camp- Partnering with Sonoma 4-H
  • November 30: Art Project at 6:30 p.m.


Sneak Peek: December Projects & Events

Here’s a preview of some exciting activities coming up next month!

  • December 1: Giving Tuesday- All Day
  • December 2: Beginning Hand Sewing at 3:00 p.m.
  • December 5:
  • C is for Cookie Project at 10:30 a.m.
  • H-Vaqueros Horse Project and Horse Education at 12:00 p.m.
  • Automotive Project at 12:00 p.m.
  • December 7: Point Reyes- Olema Club Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
  • December 9: Beginning and Advance Machine at 3:00 p.m.
  • December 11: Photography Project at 4:30 p.m.
  • December 12:
  • Shooting Sports – Shotgun at 9:00 a.m.
  • Rocketry Project at 2:00 p.m.
  • December 13: Harvest Market Novato Bake Sale and Coat Drive 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • December 14: San Rafael Club Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
  • December 16:
  • Paper Crafts Project at 3:00 p.m.
  • Beginner/Advanced Crochet with MJ at 7:00 p.m.
  • December 19: H-Vaqueros Horse Project and Horse Education at 12:00 p.m.
  • December 21-Jan 3: Winter Break


Access our google calendar of 4-H events and projects for the most updated dates and times


~Please Note: While we do our best to ensure all information is accurate, mistakes can happen. Dates and event details are subject to change.~

Bright red holiday-themed flyer for the Marin County 4-H “One Warm Coat Drive & Bake Sale.” The event takes place Sunday, December 13, from 1–5 p.m. at the Harvest Market. The flyer encourages community members to purchase baked treats and donate gently used coats to support Marin County 4-H. Volunteers are needed for 2- or 3-hour shifts. Contact Christine Magtibay at jc_sky@hotmail.com to volunteer. The design features snowflakes, 4-H clover logos, a Christmas tree decorated with coats, and a festive bakery stand.

4-H Warm Coat Drive & Bake Sale


Help spread some holiday warmth while supporting Marin County 4-H! Join us on Sunday, December 13, from 1–5 p.m. at the Harvest Market for our One Warm Coat Drive & Bake Sale.


Stop by to purchase delicious homemade baked treats and donate your gently used coats to help keep others warm this holiday season. We’re also looking for volunteers to help with 2- or 3-hour shifts.


Interested in volunteering? Contact Christine Magtibay at jc_sky@hotmail.com. Thank you for supporting our 4-H community!

Farm Day 2027 save-the-date flyer featuring three colorful, student-created artwork panels depicting farm and nature scenes, including bees, ladybugs, carrots, farm animals, and hot air balloons. Text reads: “Farm Day 2027 – Thursday, March 25th” and “Marin County Fair Exhibit Hall.”

Save the Date: Marin County

Farm Day 2027!


Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 25, 2027, for Marin County Farm Day at the Marin County Fair Exhibit Hall! Farm Day brings together local farmers, agricultural organizations, educators, and community partners to give students hands-on opportunities to explore agriculture, food systems, and the environment. We’re looking forward to another wonderful year of learning and discovery!


Learn more about Marin 4-H events on our website

Holiday Closures


4-H offices will be closed in observance of the following holidays:


November 11- Veterans Day

November 26 & 27- Thanksgiving holiday break


December 24, 2026 - January 3, 2027- Winter Holiday break/ ANR Closure


CA State 4-H Announcements

Enrollment Reminder


Volunteer Overlap of Service Window Closing


This is a friendly reminder that November 30, 2026 marks the end of the grace period that allows Adult Volunteers enrolled in the previous year to continue to serve the program without an approved and active enrollment on ZSuite.


Please make sure you complete all Volunteer appointment requirements so your re-enrollment may be approved and made active in ZSuite by Monday, November 30. Returning volunteers who do not have an approved and active enrollment as of Tuesday, December 1 may not actively serve as a 4-H Adult Volunteer until they have completed all requirements, and their re-enrollment is approved. 4-H Staff are off for the Thanksgiving holiday, meaning there may be delays approving enrollments submitted after Wednesday, November 25.


Returning Volunteers who miss the midnight, December 1, 2026 deadline are still qualified to re-enroll as a Returning Volunteer until the end of the 2026-27 4-H Year.


We appreciate the time and dedication of our 4-H adult volunteers! If you have not yet completed your re-enrollment, please take action now and contact Kayla Gulick at kgulick@ucanr.edu or Martha Martinez at mrtmartinez@ucanr.edu if you need assistance. Completing this process helps ensure you can continue supporting positive experiences for 4-H youth.


Schedule a time to meet with Kayla:

Book Your 4-H Office Hour Appointment


4th H for Health Challenge

Practice Healthy Living with the 2026-27 4th H for Health Challenge!


In 2025-26, 96 CA 4-H youth participated in the 4th H for Health Challenge to practice healthy eating, movement, and social emotional activities individually and in groups. This year, we invite you to learn and expand on these activities in your 4-H club, program or at home.


● Who: 4-H Youth

● Where: Your local 4-H club, program or at home

● When: September 15, 2026 - June 30, 2027

● What: Complete the Challenge to earn a new 4th H for Health pin and certificate!


For more information access the CA 4-H Resource Center to learn about this year’s challenge!


Who to Contact: Ally Lemmer, Healthy Living Academic Coordinator, alemmer@ucanr.edu.


Healthy Living December Webinar


Healthy Living December Topic: Food Waste


Did you know that each year around 30% of food is wasted? Not only does that mean food is uneaten, but your money is also going down the drain. In the December Healthy Living webinar, learn how to reduce food waste by understanding date labels, when to compost, and how to save the planet.


Who: 4-H youth*, volunteers and staff

*This is a great opportunity for Healthy Living Club Officers!

When: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Where: Zoom- Register for Zoom link.


All webinars are held from 6:30 – 7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month. Use the registration link to sign up for all upcoming webinars.


  • January 5, 2027: Financial Literacy: Budget Your Wallet
  • February 2, 2027: Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being
  • March 2, 2027: Nature to Improve Your Mood
  • April 6, 2027: Food Preservation
  • May 4, 2027: Squad Goals: Building a Better Community


This monthly webinar series is hosted by the Healthy Living Advisory & Program Committee.


#GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is December 1, 2026


Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving. Donations to the California 4-H program support youth who are exploring their interests and developing the skills they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, leadership opportunities and supportive adult mentors, young people gain confidence as they build their knowledge, experience and skills.


Additional $500 prize


This year, UC ANR is awarding an additional $500 prize to the following:

  • 1 fund that has the greatest number of unique donors.
  • 1 UC ANR program/UCCE or Rec Center for excellence in social media content.

All donations must be received online by December 1, 2026.


Get Creative!


Share photos and videos that tell everyone why 4-H is making an impact in your community. Send links to Give4h.ucanr.edu in your posts.


You can also use the Canva template links to create and post your content on social media. You must be logged in to Canva to use the template.


Instagram/Facebook Story or Reel 1080x1920

Facebook/Instagram post 1080x1350


Don’t have any gear or swag?

Explore and find your favorite 4-H apparel, accessories, and 4-H essentials using this link: Shop 4-H

4 products you can find on shop 4-H website, navy blue shirt that says making the best better, green 4-H shirt with clover, draw bag backpack, and record book cover

New to 4-H and looking for 4-H hats and scarfs?


To explore the Leslie Carmen 4-H supplies, Inc. website click this link: https://www.4hsupplies.com


Note: 4-H uniform is simply a white button up shirt (short sleeve or long sleeve) not sold at Leslie Carman or Shop 4-H.

4-H attire, green 4-H hat, green scarf, and green tie

Marin County 4-H Program Website


Follow us on Facebook and Instagram:

Marin County 4-H Facebook Page

&

Marin County 4-H Instagram Page