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This time of year brings with it opportunities to reset, revive and recharge. The new academic year begins for many schools and colleges. Fall sports teams welcome new recruits and new staff. The new 4-H program cycle shifts into high gear with new and re-enrollments of youth and adults. This shift also presents an opportunity for the statewide 4-H Program to be strategic and intentional in how we capture data on how we do what we do, why we are doing it, and who benefits once it is done. With this context in mind, we are reviewing our operations from the state office to county offices to strengthen our procedures, ensure alignment with UC policies and deliver support for local programming that is demonstrably useful.

It is important to recognize here the 4-H Project Leaders who have contributed to the launch of a successful program year by submitting project plans. I know the introduction of project plans caused disruption for some leaders. I apologize for that disruption. The great news is that once the plans are in place, youth are able to make more intentional decisions regarding projects they want to pursue and what they will gain from the experience. Project plans also give the state 4-H office strong evidence of the needs of project leaders. Our goal is to use this information on what project leaders need to design professional development opportunities and secure additional resources that will support project implementation. We want project leaders to know that we are aware of the need for more access to research-based curricula, especially. With benefit of the expertise of 4-H Youth Development Advisors and Academic Coordinators, the Statewide 4-H Program will be working with various stakeholders over the next year and beyond to organize resources that we hope will fill some of the curricula needs of clubs and project teams.

While working on this monumental project, we are also leading a few initiatives that are worth mentioning. Our 4-H State CES for Civic Engagement, Mr. Ryan Cleland, has launched this year’s effort to secure a proclamation from the California State Assembly for National 4-H Week, which is scheduled for October 4 through October 10, 2026. More details will be shared in this newsletter regarding our plans for National 4-H Week. In the meantime, UC ANR secured a proclamation from the California State Assembly, which officially recognizes the 2026 National 4-H Week. Special thanks to all Assembly Members and co-authors of the resolution, especially Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry who is the primary author.

New additions to the 4-H Statewide Team

With great excitement, we also want to recognize new team members in the statewide 4-H Program. Congratulations and well wishes are extended to the following team members:  

• Miguel Diaz, CES, Santa Barbara County
• Sandy Jacobs, Admin Assistant, Orange County
• Elyssia Glassco, Office Assistant, Nevada County
• Mia Sasaki, College and Career Readiness Advisor, Lake and Mendocino Counties
• Amanda Delgado, CES, Tulare County

Welcome aboard!

In Community and with Steadfast, Unmovable Hope…

Volunteer Spotlights

We are delighted to highlight volunteers this month who are each leaving a legacy of service to the 4-H community.

Mr. Bill Engel- Modoc County

We are proud to recognize Mr. Bill Engel for his 10 years of dedicated service as a 4-H Shooting Sports Volunteer Leader.

Mr. Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his years in law enforcement and school security, providing our youth with exceptional instruction while emphasizing safety, responsibility, and sportsmanship. His commitment extends far beyond the range.

For the 2025-2026 program year, Mr. Bill coached a team of four Modoc County 4-H members in the Muzzleloading discipline for the June 2026 National 4-H Shooting Sports Competition in Grand Island, Nebraska. For more than six months, he met with the team multiple times each week, investing countless hours in preparing them to compete on the national stage.

Mr. Bill's dedication, patience, and mentorship have made a lasting impact on our youth and our 4-H Program. Thank you, Mr. Bill, for 10 years of outstanding volunteer service and for inspiring the next generation through your leadership and commitment.  

Ms. Jeanne Walford- 60 Years of Service in Kern County

Kern County 4-H and the Statewide 4-H Program are honored to celebrate the living legend, Ms. Jeanne Walford and her incredible 60 years of service as a 4-H volunteer! Ms. Jeanne has been a longtime Club Leader for Casa Loma 4-H Club, served as the Kern County 4-H Leaders’ Council President, and shared her knowledge and passion as a project leader for countless 4-H projects throughout the years. For six decades, Ms. Jeanne has dedicated herself to helping young people learn, grow, lead, and discover what they are capable of achieving.

Ms. Jeanne has opened her heart to generations of 4-H'ers over the deades, creating an environment where every young person who crosses her path becomes part of her 4-H family. She has encouraged, mentored, challenged, and celebrated countless youth, inspiring them to give it their all and “Make the Best Better.” Ms. Jeanne’s legacy is not simply 60 years of service. It is the countless lives she has touched along the way. Congratulations, Ms. Walford, and thank you for six extraordinary decades of believing in our youth and the power of 4-H!

Farm Robotics Challenge

Sign up for the 2026–27 Farm Robotics Challenge

Do you have an idea using technology to solve or improve an issue in farming? Form a team and join the 27 Farm Robotics Challenge. To learn more, sign up for the Launch Webinar on September 15.

During the Challenge, you’ll be immersed in hands-on innovation with drones, robotics and AI. Get support through monthly meetings and in-person regional gatherings as you develop your project. Together with a local agricultural partner, your team will design, build, test, and evaluate your solution using robotics, drones, sensors, artificial intelligence, or other technologies.

Teams must have a minimum of three youth in grades 7 to 12 and one adult leader. Team leaders can learn more and complete the pre-registration at farmroboticschallenge.ai.

The Farm Robotics Challenge is hosted by UC ANR Innovate.

Questions: Steven Worker, 4-H Youth Development Advisor smworker@ucanr.edu.

Farm Robotics Academy

Want to build your robotics skills and confidence so you can better support students exploring agricultural technology?

Join the Farm Robotics Academy Robotics 101 course, a hands-on virtual training series designed for educators and youth leaders interested in building foundational skills in robotics, programming, sensors, and autonomous navigation.

Over six sessions, you’ll work directly with robotics hardware as you learn to set up, program, and operate a robotic system. Each session builds on the last, giving you practical experience you can apply when working with students and supporting robotics projects.

No robotics experience is needed. Participants are encouraged to attend all six sessions and will bring their new skills together in a final integrated challenge.

$350 Course Fee + Robotics Kit (Approx. $485)

Questions: Steven Worker, 4-H Youth Development Advisor smworker@ucanr.edu.

State 4-H Barbecue Contests

Join us for the first ever California 4-H Chicken and Turkey Barbecue Contests!

These contests are open to all Senior 4-H youth (between 14-18 years old). Youth do not need to be enrolled in a poultry project to participate. 

See CONTEST GUIDELINES (Chicken BBQ Contest and Turkey BBQ Contest) for more information. 

• EVENT: California Foothills Youth Show- September 27, 2026
• LOCATION: Evalynn Bishop Hall, Ione, CA
• CONTEST CHECK-IN: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
• CONTEST START TIME: 10 AM
• DURATION: 2-hr time limit for preparation and cooking

There is no fee to enter! State 4-H Chicken & Turkey BBQ Contests - Registration

Deadline to register is September 18, 2026

NOTE: Youth may only enter one contest due to overlapping cooking and presentation times. 

Contact Dr. Erica Pettey (eapettey@ucanr.edu) if you have any questions. 

Healthy Living Advisory & Program Committee

Join the Healthy Living Advisory & Program Committee to Learn About Healthy Eating!

October Topic: Plate Power: Fuel Your Brain & Body

Learn how to build a whole nutritious plate to fuel your brain and body. Explore opportunities to include fruits and vegetables into your diet and the benefits of eating the rainbow.

Who: 4-H youth, volunteers and staff

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



When: Tuesday, October 6 from 6:30-7:30 PM

Where: Zoom — please register for this first webinar and future ones. 

Upcoming Months & Topics: 

• November 3: Wonder-Bots: Exploring the World of AI
• December 1: Food Waste
• January 5: Financial Literacy: Budget Your Wallet
• February 2: Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being
• March 2: Nature to Improve Your Mood
• April 6: Food Preservation
• May 4: Squad Goals: Building a Better Community

4-H Curricula Workshop

You’re Invited to the CA 4-H Curricula Workshop! 

Join the California 4-H State Office in Davis, CA for a free curricula workshop. Receive direct guidance on 4-H approved curricula, learn about teens as teachers, and collaborate with 4-H professionals and volunteers across the state!

●   Who: 4-H professionals, volunteers, teens members, external partners

●   When: Saturday, November 7, 2026

●   Time: 10 AM- 4 PM

Curricula Offerings: Youth Experiences in Science (YES), Cooking Academy, Grub Club, EggSellent, & Jr. Master Gardener

Ready to Register? Sign Up Here: bit.ly/4ib65sn

*RSVP by Monday, November 2, 2026

Please note that travel to and from Davis is the responsibility of each participant. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided by the CA 4-H State Office.

Questions? Email Grace Belt (kbelt@ucanr.edu) and Ally Lemmer (alemmer@ucanr.edu).

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!

Stay tuned for the official announcement on the CA 4-H Resource Center to access this year’s challenge when it launches on September 15!

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

Healthy Living Line Dance Pilot Program

Don’t Miss a Step – Join the Line Dance Fun

The Healthy Living Advisory & Program Committee invites you to pilot test a line dancing beginner guide that can be implemented in clubs, afterschool programs, and camps.

Why consider line dancing?

• Line dancing and group dance activities are widely associated with social, emotional, and mental benefits that extend far beyond the physical movement itself.
• It also requires minimal materials beyond space for movement and music!
• Beyond line dancing, you will actually be a part of the curriculum piloting process! Review and give feedback to improve CA 4-H curriculum for youth across the state. Currently, there is no line dancing curriculum on the Shop 4-H online mall.

What are the expectations with pilot testing?

• Use the Spark Line Dancing Beginner Guide as a 4-H project- the drafted curriculum will be shared with you if you choose to participate.
• Facilitate a minimum of 6 lessons of the curriculum from September - December 2026.
• Conduct, collect and submit youth surveys to the CA 4-H State Office.

What materials will be provided?

• Spark Line Dancing Beginner Guide- printed and digital
• Printed evaluations
• Portable speaker
• Playlist
• Webpage

What will be provided upon completion of the project?

• Once project has been completed, and data has been collected and submitted to the CA 4-H State Office, you will receive the following:

• 4-H Staff & Project Leaders/Volunteers:
• $50 gift card
• Opportunity to be invited to future line dancing activities!

• 4-H Youth Members:
• Performing Arts Pin
• Line Dancing Certificate
• Opportunity to be invited to future line dancing activities!

I’m ready to move! How do I begin?

Please inquire about participating in this project by emailing Ally Lemmer (alemmer@ucanr.edu) to join the pilot project!

Policy Reminder

4-H Policy Reminder: 2025-2026 4-H Annual Financial Reporting

The State 4-H due date for 2025-2026 4-H Annual Financial Reporting for 4-H Club Leaders, Treasurers and VMO Finance Managers to complete the following required forms is September 15, 2026.

• Form 6.2 Annual Inventory Report
• Form 6.3 Annual Financial Report 
• Form 8.5 Year-End Peer Review Report 
• Form 8.6 Year-End Peer Review Checklist 

All forms need to be fully completed. If 4-H Clubs and VMOs have questions about completing any portion of the forms (e.g., what is your assigned 4-H EIN number) county 4-H Community Education Specialists (CES) and CES Supervisors are available to coordinate responses to any additional questions. The following resource is available, 4-H Unit & VMO Sign-In Steps for 4-H Financial Reporting System, for 4-H Units and VMOs to submit data into the online annual financial reporting system. Additionally, county 4-H staff can provide extra login support needed for accessing the 4-H Annual Financial Reporting System.

National 4-H Week

2026 California 4-H Art Contest

2026 California 4-H Art Contest: "Envisioning a Fire-adapted Future”

NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS!

**Due October 12**

Calling all artists and creative thinkers! The UC ANR Fire Network is hosting an art contest for 4-H youth ages 9-18 to showcase your creative, well-informed solutions for reducing wildfire risk.

Who can enter: 4-H members ages 9-18

Categories: Junior (9-10); Intermediate (11-13); Senior (14-18)

Criteria: Originality, visual impact, message clarity and storytelling

All submissions will be displayed at the 2026 Beneficial Fire Summit being held in San Diego and the 2027 4-H State Field Day. This winning entry voted best in show will be featured on a T-shirt for sale at the Beneficial Fire Summit and will receive a T-Shirt with their artwork printed on it as a prize. Additionally, “Summit Favorites” selected by attendees at the Summit and artist(s) with the top evaluation score(s) in each age category will receive ribbons and certificates.

For more information about the contest and how to submit artwork, please go to the California 4-H Art Contest webpage.

**Due October 12**

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